Kendall Father Sentenced to 12 Years for Killing Son After Disney Trip

David Contreras pleaded guilty to manslaughter after shooting and killing his 21-year-old son, Eric, in 2023.

Mar. 30, 2026 at 8:24pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a single bullet casing on a dark background, lit by a harsh, direct camera flash, conceptually representing the violence and tragedy at the heart of this story.A single bullet casing, a stark reminder of the tragic violence that tore a family apart.Kendall Today

In an emotional court hearing, a Kendall father named David Contreras was sentenced to 12 years in prison followed by 10 years of probation after pleading guilty to manslaughter in the 2023 shooting death of his 21-year-old son, Eric Contreras. The incident occurred after the family had returned home from a trip to Disney World.

Why it matters

This tragic case highlights the devastating impact of domestic violence and the need for greater mental health resources and support for families dealing with conflict. The loss of a child is an unimaginable tragedy that has deeply affected the Contreras family and their community.

The details

David Contreras had initially been charged with second-degree murder but ended up pleading guilty to manslaughter. During the sentencing hearing, several of Eric's friends and his girlfriend gave emotional victim impact statements, describing him as a kind, joyful person who was loved by all. Contreras's attorney, Frank Quintero, said the incident has destroyed the family and that Contreras will have to live with his actions for the rest of his life.

  • The incident occurred in November 2023 after the Contreras family returned home from a trip to Disney World.
  • On Monday, March 30, 2026, David Contreras was sentenced to 12 years in prison followed by 10 years of probation.

The players

David Contreras

The 45-year-old Kendall father who pleaded guilty to manslaughter in the 2023 shooting death of his 21-year-old son, Eric Contreras.

Eric Contreras

The 21-year-old son of David Contreras who was fatally shot by his father in 2023 after the family returned home from a trip to Disney World.

Frank Quintero

The attorney representing David Contreras, who said the incident has destroyed the Contreras family and that his client will have to live with his actions for the rest of his life.

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What they’re saying

“Eric loved to make people laugh. He was friendly to be around. I truly believed he was going to marry me. I had my whole life in front of me. I believed it for me. There was an unspoken prayer answered for me.”

— Eric's girlfriend

“During times of hardship, he was there with open arms.”

— One of Eric's friends

“Eric was the type of person that everyone gravitated to. Eric wanted everyone to experience what life had to offer.”

— Another of Eric's friends

“Eric was an incredible kid, His life got taken from him way too early. This was an incredibly sad day. His friends and everyone mourns his loss and there is no real justice in a situation like this.”

— Gus Alfonso, Family friend

“He was a kind person. He was joyful. What has happened is really unfair.”

— Cristina Alfonso, Family friend

What’s next

Contreras could be eligible for release from prison in 10 years, according to his attorney.

The takeaway

This tragic case underscores the devastating impact of domestic violence and the need for greater mental health resources and support for families dealing with conflict. While the justice system has run its course, the Contreras family and community will continue to grapple with the profound loss of a young life taken far too soon.