A Florida judge sharply criticized David Contreras during his sentencing for fatally shooting his son after a family trip to Disney World. Contreras, 54, received 12 years in prison plus 10 years probation for the 2023 manslaughter of 21-year-old Eric Contreras in Miami. The judge rejected Contreras's claim of personal suffering.
David Contreras pleaded guilty on Monday to manslaughter in the death of his son Eric on November 3, 2023. The incident followed an argument after the family returned from Disney World. Contreras called 911, stating, 'I'd been fighting with my son and I lost it on him. He wouldn't stop,' according to WPLG reporting from the courtroom. Prosecutors noted Eric was kneeling or crouching when shot; Contreras faced initial second-degree murder charges before the plea deal. Judge David Young sentenced him to 12 years in prison followed by 10 years probation. Before sentencing, Contreras said, 'I'm sorry. This is something I can't get back... I'm the one who has to live with it.' Young responded, 'You have to live with it, sir? Your wife has to live with it, sir. Your other son has to live with it, sir. Your future grandchildren have to live with it, sir. A lot of people. It's horrible,' as reported by WSVN and WPLG. Family and friends of Eric Contreras spoke in court. Friend Jose Alfonso said, 'He was a young man who would have cared for his parents as they aged... David took from the world the very person that loved him the most.' Eric's girlfriend added, 'I found the love that people search their whole entire lives for.'