Miami man pleads guilty to killing 21-year-old son

David Contreras changed his plea to manslaughter as part of a plea deal.

Mar. 30, 2026 at 8:49pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

An extreme close-up photograph of a single handcuff, lit by a harsh, direct camera flash against a pitch-black background, conveying the stark, gritty, and investigative nature of this tragic family crime.The harsh flash photography of a single handcuff evokes the grim reality of a father's tragic crime against his own son.Today in Miami

David Contreras, 54, has pleaded guilty to manslaughter in the 2023 killing of his 21-year-old son Eric following an argument in their Kendall, Florida home. Contreras had originally been facing a second-degree murder charge but changed his plea as part of a deal, accepting a sentence of 12 years in prison followed by 10 years of probation.

Why it matters

This case highlights the devastating impact of domestic violence and the complex emotional and legal issues that can arise when a parent is accused of killing their own child. The plea deal reflects the challenges of prosecuting such cases, as well as the need for greater support and resources for families dealing with mental health and interpersonal conflicts.

The details

According to authorities, Contreras killed his son Eric on November 3, 2023 following an argument in their home. Contreras initially pleaded not guilty to a second-degree murder charge, but on Monday changed his plea to manslaughter as part of a deal with prosecutors. The judge sentenced Contreras to 12 years in prison followed by 10 years of probation.

  • Contreras killed his son Eric on November 3, 2023.
  • Contreras changed his plea to manslaughter on March 30, 2026.

The players

David Contreras

A 54-year-old Miami man who pleaded guilty to killing his 21-year-old son Eric in 2023.

Eric Contreras

The 21-year-old son of David Contreras who was killed in 2023.

Judge David Young

The judge who sentenced David Contreras to 12 years in prison followed by 10 years of probation.

Frank Quintero

The attorney representing David Contreras.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“I am the one who has to live with it and I've accepted it.”

— David Contreras

“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.”

— Judge David Young

“Of course he's sorry, no father, no father intentionally wants to kill his kid.”

— Frank Quintero, Contreras' attorney

What’s next

The judge's sentence of 12 years in prison followed by 10 years of probation for David Contreras will now be carried out.

The takeaway

This tragic case underscores the immense pain and lasting trauma that can result from domestic violence and the killing of a child by a parent. It highlights the need for greater mental health support, conflict resolution resources, and holistic approaches to preventing such devastating outcomes within families.