Man convicted of killing Hollywood police officer in 2021 sentenced to life in prison

The man who was convicted of shooting and killing a Hollywood police officer in 2021 was sentenced to live in prison without the possibility of parole during his formal sentencing on Wednesday.

Jason Banegas pleaded guilty last October in the shooting death of Officer Yandy Chirino, who was responding to reports of someone breaking into cars at the time of his killing.

During the trial, prosecutors said Chirino spotted Banegas armed with a gun and the two got into a struggle. That's when Banegas shot Chirino in the face twice.

In December, a jury recommended that he be sentenced to life in prison, avoiding the death penalty.

Then in early 2026, Banegas claimed that his attorneys coerced him into pleading guilty and wanted to change his plea.

A judge denied that request in March, and scheduled his formal sentencing for April 8.

The judge also sentenced Banegas to more than 160 years for additional charges to run consecutively following the life sentence 

Dozens of Hollywood police officers crowded the hallway and courtroom in support of Yandy Chirino, who was a much-loved friend, brother, son, and fiancé 

Police Chief Jeffrey Devlin says the tragedy has been difficult for the Chirino family, and the mission continues to never forget Yandy.

Banegas has 30 days to appeal his sentence