A man accused of fatally shooting a Hollywood police officer in 2021 has changed his plea to guilty Monday morning ahead of jury selection for his trial, officials confirmed.

According to the Broward County State Attorney's Office, in a non-negotiated plea, 22-year-old Jason Banegas changed his plea from not guilty to guilty in the shooting death of 28-year-old Officer Yandy Chirino.

Jury selection will now go forward as planned for the death penalty phase in the case, officials said.

"He pled guilty for two primary reasons. Number one, he knows that this jury would definitely convict him. And secondly, he thinks that there's at least some benefit to him by pleading guilty, and perhaps help him avoid the death penalty," Attorney Mark Eiglarsh said.

Eiglarsh is not involved in the c

See Full Page