A Kendall father who fatally shot his son back in 2023 pleaded guilty Monday and was sentenced to 12 years in prison.
David Contreras, 54, will also serve 10 years of probation in the killing of his son, 21-year-old Eric Contreras, in November 2023.
Contreras had been arrested on a second-degree murder charge in the killing but pleaded guilty to manslaughter.
Records show the family had returned from an Orlando trip in November of 2023 when the father and son got into an argument, which somehow led to the fatal shooting.
“The fight on the way home was unbearable, and we got here from one second to the next he was going to go to the Keys, he was going to go with Jacob,” Contreras is heard through a doorbell recording, shortly after telling his wife he shot their son.
When officers arrived near 10703 Southwest 84th Avenue, they found Eric Contreras suffering from gunshot wounds. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
Bodycam footage obtained by NBC6 showed the moments after police arrived at the residence, and officers with guns drawn asked Contreras to come out with his hands up.
The father claimed the shooting was self-defense and said he suffered years of abuse from his son, but prosecutors disagreed that it was self-defense.
Family members supported David Contreras and last year, a judge allowed him to be with his wife and family while he awaited trial.
Dozens of people packed the courtroom Monday for the hearing, including friends of Eric Contreras who expressed disappointment in his family for supporting the father.
“David Sr. and Odalys, I am beyond disappointed in your moral character after Eric’s life ended. I truly hope you make an effort to rehabilitate yourself and live a life that Eric would want for you,” one friend said.
The friends also claimed they were even prevented from attending the funeral.
“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 said.
Asked if he had anything to say as he was sentenced, David Contreras stayed silent.
“For the pain that you caused each and every one of them. And continue to cause them because of your selfishness. And your family selfishness and not letting them grieve. Not letting them attend a memorial service, a mass, which so deeply important to those of their faith,” Judge David Young said.
“I am the one that has to live with it, and I have accepted it,” Contreras replied.
