A Broward County jury has advised a life sentence for Jason Banegas, the young man who admitted to murdering Cuban police officer Yandy Chirino. This tragic event occurred in October 2021 and left a lasting impact on the South Florida community.
As reported by Local 10 News, the jury rendered its recommendation during the sentencing phase, taking less than two hours to deliberate—a timeframe that even took the defense by surprise.
In their decision, the jury opted against the death penalty, instead choosing that Banegas serve the remainder of his life in prison without the possibility of parole. Formal sentencing by the judge is scheduled for February 18.
Last October, Banegas, aged 22, pleaded guilty to first-degree murder for fatally shooting Officer Chirino, who was responding to a report of a suspicious individual.
"It's a very heavy decision. I didn't expect it to be this quick," said defense attorney Lien Lafargue after the verdict was announced.
The Crime
Yandy Chirino was just 28 years old when he was killed on the night of October 17, 2021, in the 4000 block of North Hills Drive, Hollywood, Florida. Officer Chirino was attending to a call about someone checking parked vehicles.
Footage from a Ring camera showed Banegas, then 18, riding a bicycle while attempting to see if cars were left unlocked. According to police investigations, a struggle ensued during which Banegas shot Officer Chirino twice in the face, resulting in fatal injuries.
Emotional Testimonies
In the closing days of the trial, the court heard moving testimonies from both the victim's and the accused's loved ones. One of the most stirring moments was a video played showing Chirino's final moments after being wounded.
In the footage, Detective Manuel Rodríguez-Blevins, Chirino's closest friend and patrol partner, is seen arriving at the scene to find Chirino gravely injured. During the trial, Rodríguez-Blevins tearfully recounted his attempts to assist Chirino while also dealing with Banegas, who resisted arrest.
Another clip portrayed an officer kneeling outside the emergency room, visibly distraught as Chirino was taken into intensive care. The video was described as heart-wrenching and deeply affected the courtroom audience.
Hollywood Police's Reaction
Following the jury's recommendation, Hollywood Police Chief Jeff Delvin issued a statement expressing his disagreement with the outcome, although he emphasized respect for the judicial process.
"When one of our officers is killed, I believe the responsible party should face the harshest penalty allowed by law," Delvin stated. "While the verdict did not reflect this, the killer will serve life in prison without the chance of parole. Nonetheless, we respect the judicial proceedings and the dedication of those involved."
A Community Scarred
The case of Yandy Chirino has left a deep scar within the Cuban-American community. Born in Havana and raised in Miami, Chirino graduated from Florida International University (FIU) and was recognized multiple times for his professional achievements, including being named Officer of the Month in June 2020.
Thousands attended his funeral, where his family remembered him as someone who died "doing what he loved: helping people."
Banegas, meanwhile, also bears the burden of additional charges connected to the case. Weeks after the murder, his 17-year-old sister was arrested for stealing the weapon used in the crime.
The sentencing phase concludes a four-year wait for the fallen officer's family and a police department still reeling from the impact of that night. With the jury's recommendation of a life sentence for Banegas, the case now moves to its final stage, awaiting the judge's official sentencing in February, bringing closure to a judicial chapter that has gripped Hollywood for over four years.
Key Questions About the Yandy Chirino Case
Who was Yandy Chirino?
Yandy Chirino was a Cuban-American police officer in Miami, recognized for his dedication to the community and professional achievements, including being named Officer of the Month in June 2020.
What was the outcome of Jason Banegas's trial?
Jason Banegas was recommended a life sentence by the jury, meaning he will spend the rest of his life in prison without the possibility of parole, following his guilty plea for the murder of Officer Chirino.