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(Fort Lauderdale, FL) - The state is seeking the death penalty against 22-year-old Jason Banegas who says he was trying to kill himself when he shot Hollywood Police officer Yandy Chirino twice in the face in 2022.
On the first day of the penalty phase of the trial, Officer Manuel Rodriguez testified that the defendant resisted arrest delaying him from performing CPR on officer Chirino.
The defense has deferred opening statements until after the prosecution presents its case.
Banegas was 18 and on juvenile probation at the time of the shooting.
This trial comes on the same day as law enforcement from around the state are gathering - once again - to pay a final tribute to another fallen officer.
Indian River County Sheriff's Office Sgt. Terri Sweeting-Mashkow was gunned down last month while she, two other deputies and a locksmith were serving an eviction notice at a home near Vero Beach. The locksmith was also killed.
Mashkow's memorial service is taking place at the Corporate Air Hanger in Vero Beach.
Governor Ron DeSantis ordered flags to fly at half-staff in the county today
It's the third law enforcement memorial service in less than three weeks...following the deaths of Miami Beach Sgt. David Cajuso and Miami-Dade Deputy Devin Jaramillo.