A jury is in week two of hearing testimony to decide whether Jason Banegas should get the death penalty or life in prison for killing a police officer.

It was in October 2021 that Banegas had a confrontation with Hollywood Police Officer Yandy Chirino. Banegas pleaded guilty earlier this year to shooting and killing Chirino.

Last week, prosecutors presented testimony to argue that Banegas should be executed. But defense attorneys began laying out their case Monday on why his life should be spared.

Defense attorney Krista Richman painted a sad life story, saying Banegas was abused, neglected and suicidal. "[His mother] would beat him with a belt buckle," she said.

According to Richman, Banegas' mother had a drug problem and worked as a prostitute, often leaving her young children

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