Psychologist, family members testify convicted cop killer Jason Banegas suffered from lifetime of trauma
Jurors in the penalty phase for the man convicted of killing a Hollywood police officer in 2021 heard from Jason Banegas' family and a psychologist on Thursday, who said he suffered from a lifetime of trauma.
Banegas was convicted of shooting and killing Hollywood police Officer Yandy Chirino.
Now, Banegas' defense is trying to convince the jury that he should spend the rest of his life and jail and not be sentenced to death.
"He had physical abuse," Dr. Yenys Castillo said. "He saw a friend die in front of him."
Castillo also said Banegas had been shot at and knew about the sexual and physical abuse of his sister. He also witnessed domestic violence.
Castillo also said Banegas experienced a tough childhood and his father was a drug dealer.
She also said that as an infant, Banegas' mother would drink even though she was breastfeeding.
She, too, had a tough life, according to Castillo.
"She would be hungry for days," Castillo said. "There was no money to eat. She had no mattress."
Mother recounts abusive childhood
His mother, Ingrid Banegas, in taped testimony, described in heartbreaking detail her sad childhood – losing her mother, being sexually trafficked by Jason's father, who was abusive and eventually left the family.
"He would grab me by the neck. Jason was 3 and would cry and run away," she said.
She said her son developed depression and was lured into selling drugs and committing car break‑ins by older criminals. She begged the jury to spare his life.
"What happened was an accident," she said.
Sister describes traumatic childhood
Banegas' sister painted a bleak picture of their home life growing up. She alleged she was sexually molested at home as a child and said that their mom worked as a prostitute.
"She had to find ways to pay rent and feed us, and she would, she would sell her body," the sister said.
She said her mom would leave for days at a time, leaving her, Jason and three other children home alone with no food.
"There was five of us. So I would go to the store and take stuff with Jason and take it home to the kids," she said.
She said Jason felt responsible for feeding everyone.
"He's our big brother and he always worried for us, even though he never had guidance. He always told me how he wanted a big brother," she said.
The defense is trying to save Banegas' life, hoping the jury will opt to recommend a life sentence instead of execution. His sister said he's kind and gentle.
"It's like we share the same soul. I feel everything he feels, and I'm pretty sure he feels everything I feel," she said.
Hollywood police chief vows justice
Hollywood Police Chief Jeffrey Devlin said it's been a "long and painful four years" for Chirino's family, friends, department and community.
"Let me be clear, anyone who hurts or kills a Hollywood police officer or any police officer will have the entire weight of our justice system coming down and expect the highest penalties under the law," he said.
Jurors to decide Banegas' fate soon
The defense could wrap up as soon as Thursday. If that does happen, closing arguments could begin on Monday. After that, the case would go to the jury.
Eight out of 12 jurors must vote yes to impose the death penalty.