Judge’s 6 Scathing Words to Father Who Fatally Shot 21-Year-Old Son After Disney Trip Leave Court Stunned

A Florida father has been sentenced to 12 years in prison for killing his own son. The incident took place on November 3, 2023, when David Contreras, now 54, shot his son, Eric Contreras, 21, at their home in Kendall, Miami-Dade County.

During the hearing, the accused tried to play the victim by saying that he would have to live with the guilt of losing his son. “I'm sorry. This is something I can't get back. I wish there was some way I could. I'm the one who has to live with it, and I've accepted it,” he told the judge.

However, his comments angered the judge, who said, “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.”

The family had recently returned from a trip to Disney World in Orlando when the father and son got into an argument. The dispute soon turned violent, and David shot Eric. He then called 911 to report the incident.

When first responders arrived, David claimed he had killed his son in self-defense, but prosecutors determined otherwise. The police found that the victim had knelt down at the time of the shooting. He died at the scene from gunshot wounds. Doorbell camera footage showed David admitting to the crime to his wife. He was eventually arrested.

David’s defense lawyer argued that Eric was suffering from mental health issues, which led to the violent episode. Attorney Frank Quintero Jr. told the court, “Eric had emotional issues, mental health issues that for whatever reason were not addressed correctly. And that escalated into a situation.”

David was initially charged with second-degree murder, but later reached a plea deal with prosecutors to reduce the charge to manslaughter. He pleaded guilty on March 30, after which Judge David Young sentenced him to 12 years.

The hearing was attended by Eric’s family and friends. Some of Eric’s friends called out his family for forgiving David and standing by him in court. One friend said, “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.”

Another friend fondly remembered the victim and expressed how much they miss him. “I’m going to miss throwing touchdown passes to you every late night on Madden, I’m going to miss you messing with us every time you beat us on the fantasy league,” the friend said.

Eric’s girlfriend also spoke in court, revealing how she had imagined spending her life with him. However, her dreams were left unfulfilled due to the tragedy. “All the bad that I had experienced in my life led me to the person who has cared for my heart the most. I found the love that people search their whole entire lives for,” she said.