Florida Man Sentenced for Killing 21-Year-Old Son After Disney Trip

Judge lambasts father for claiming he's the one who has to 'live with it'.

Mar. 31, 2026 at 5:36pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a single handcuff against a pitch-black background, the metal texture and reflective surface creating a stark, gritty, investigative aesthetic that conceptually represents the serious and somber mood of a crime story without depicting any violence.The harsh, unforgiving light of justice falls upon the perpetrator of a senseless family tragedy.Today in Miami

David Contreras, 54, pleaded guilty to manslaughter in the 2023 shooting death of his 21-year-old son Eric Contreras in Miami following a family trip to Disney World. Moments before he was sentenced to 12 years in prison, Contreras tried to play the victim, saying 'I'm the one who has to live with it.' The judge sharply rebuked him, saying his wife, other son, and future grandchildren also have to live with the tragedy.

Why it matters

This case highlights the devastating impact of domestic violence and the need for greater support and resources for families dealing with mental health issues and conflict resolution. The judge's strong rebuke also underscores the importance of holding perpetrators of violence fully accountable for their actions.

The details

According to authorities, David Contreras killed his son Eric on November 3, 2023, after an argument, then called 911. Prosecutors said evidence suggested Eric was kneeling or crouching when he was shot. Contreras was initially charged with second-degree murder but was allowed to plead guilty to manslaughter.

  • On November 3, 2023, David Contreras killed his 21-year-old son Eric following an argument.
  • On March 31, 2026, David Contreras was sentenced to 12 years in prison followed by 10 years of probation.

The players

David Contreras

A 54-year-old Florida man 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 killed by his father following a family trip to Disney World.

Judge David Young

The judge who sentenced David Contreras and sharply rebuked him for claiming he was the one who had to 'live with' the tragedy.

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What they’re saying

“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.”

— David Contreras, Defendant

“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, Presiding Judge

“He was a young man who would have cared for his parents as they aged, who would have given them grandchildren, who wore his father's spirit and his father's name. David took from the world the very person that loved him the most.”

— Jose Alfonso, Friend of Eric Contreras

“I found the love that people search their whole entire lives for.”

— Eric Contreras' girlfriend

What’s next

The judge's sentence of 12 years in prison followed by 10 years of probation for David Contreras will be carried out. The case has sparked renewed calls for better mental health resources and support for families dealing with domestic conflicts.

The takeaway

This tragic case underscores the devastating impact of domestic violence and the need for greater empathy, accountability, and support systems to prevent such senseless acts of violence within families. The judge's rebuke of the defendant's self-pity highlights the importance of holding perpetrators fully responsible for their actions and the far-reaching consequences on loved ones.