FORT LAUDERDALE, FLA. (WSVN) - Friends and childhood trauma expert took the stand in a Broward County courthouse, as a jury reconvened to hear more testimony about a man who shot and killed a Hollywood Police officer. Jurors have to decide whether or not the man should get the death penalty or life in prison.
The defense attorneys for the now 22-year-old Jason Banegas detailed their client’s difficult childhood as the son of a teenager who was sex trafficked and a father who disappeared. Banegas also grew up in poverty, in a violence-infused neighborhood and community.
A friend of the defendant, Eduardo Colon, was brought to court and shared his experiences growing up with Banegas.
“He has a good heart. He doesn’t wanna hurt anybody, doesn’t wanna do any bad.” said Colon.
Banegas was 18 years old when he shot Officer Yandy Chirino in Hollywood’s Emerald Hills neighborhood back in 2021. Chirino had been responding to possible burglary calls when he got into a struggle with the teenager and he was shot twice.
Chirino, who at the time was just 28 years old, did not survive.
A family therapist, Jenny Campos, was also brought in to testify and share his troubled upbringing. She treated him during his time in juvenile detention for other crimes.
“He was just a kid, he was 13-years-old, and he was alone. He was confused,” said Campos.
Music from Banegas’ rap career was played in court, with the defense showing the jury how Benegas’ struggle was apparent in his music.
Earlier in the day, the defense brought in a childhood trauma expert, Dr. Micah Johnson.
“So, by the time Jason was 17, I think he had lost four or five close friends, mostly to gun violence.” Johnson said. “And Jason has had experiences with homelessness, and he’s had experiences with losing multiple friends.”
Prior to Johnson’s testimony, in-chamber conversations took place between the attorneys and the judge, but 7News has yet to confirm whether or not any of those discussions will become significant.
The Hollywood Chief of Police, Jeffery Devlin, was in the audience among Chirino’s friends and loved ones, and said that his death left a permanent wound.
Testimony from Officer Chirino’s loved ones was heard late last week in the court proceedings. Banegas’ attorneys are trying to convince enough jurors that life in prison is a just punishment.
Eight of the 12 jurors have to vote yes in order to send Banegas to death row. A few years ago, the law in Florida changed from requiring all jurors to vote for the death penalty to just eight.
As of Tuesday afternoon, the hearing had ended and will resume, Wednesday morning with other loved ones and friends expected to testify.
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