Photo: Broward County Corrections, Jason Banegas booking photo; Hollywood Police Officer Yandy Chirino
(Fort Lauderdale, FL) -- Closing arguments today in the sentencing trial of Jason Banegas who has pleaded guilty to the fatal shooting of a Hollywood police officer in 2021.
His attorney, Krista Richman, telling the jury that they must choose from one of two punishments, and they are both severe: Life in prison without the possibility of parole or death.
She said Banegas was a child of 18 at the time of the incident and just 10 months earlier he would not have been eligible for death.
The assistant state attorney agreed Banegas had a tough childhood but argued that he was old enough to become a police officer and old enough to know right from wrong at 18.
He reminded the jury that he's still a cop killer and pulled the trigger twice..."explain that."
The defense argued Banegas was trying to kill himself when he shot Officer Yandy Chirino in the neck and face.
Richman asking the jury today to spare his life explaining that life in prison is the appropriate punishment.
The jury will begin deliberating this afternoon. Eight of the 12 jurors must agree to recommend death.
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