David Contreras, the Florida father who shot his 21-year-old son in 2023, was sentenced to 12 years in prison on Monday. The sentence follows his guilty plea to manslaughter for the death of his son, Eric.
The case drew national attention after home surveillance footage captured the aftermath of the shooting. Contreras, 54, originally faced a second-degree murder charge for the fatal incident at the family’s Kendall residence.
Investigators determined the shooting occurred shortly after the family returned from a trip to Disney World. An argument reportedly escalated between the father and son before shots were fired.
During the 911 call, Contreras told dispatchers that he had "lost it." He was arrested at the scene and later confessed to the killing, though he claimed he acted in self-defense.
The defense team alleged that Contreras had endured years of abuse from his son. However, prosecutors and friends of the victim disputed this narrative during emotional testimony in court.
Friends of Eric, a student at Florida International University, described him as a kind and joyful person. They testified about the added trauma of being excluded from his funeral services.
"It wasn’t until everyone realized that Eric's own family was defending his murderer that we were able to start grieving properly," one friend stated.
Circuit Judge David Young addressed the family’s decision to bar friends from memorials. He called the actions "selfish" and noted the importance of religious masses to those of their faith.
Judge Young expressed that the family’s behavior caused continued pain to those who loved Eric. He emphasized that the community was denied the right to mourn properly.
Contreras spoke briefly during the hearing, stating he has accepted his fate. "I am the one that has to live with it, and I have accepted it," he told the court.
Following his 12-year term, Contreras will serve 10 years of probation. His attorney noted the tragedy has irreparably destroyed the family.