Miami-Dade man pleads guilty to killing 21-year-old son: ‘I am the one who has to live with it’

Miami man changes plea to guilty in killing of his 21-year-old son

MIAMI — David Contreras is accused of killing his son Eric in 2023.

Leer en español

Contreras, 54, changed his plea on Monday to manslaughter and giving up his right to a trial. The move was part of a plea deal; he had been facing a second-degree murder charge.

Friends of 21-year-old Eric Contreras ― and his girlfriend ― packed the courtroom as they spoke about their heartbreaking loss.

“I am the one who has to live with it and I’ve accepted it,” David Contreras told the judge.

“You have to live with it, sir?” Judge David Young responded. “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.”

Authorities said Contreras, then 52, killed Eric Contreras on Nov. 3, 2023 following an argument in their Kendall home.

The judge issued a sentence of 12 years in prison followed by 10 years of probation.

Contreras’ attorney, Frank Quintero, addressed the media after the hearing.

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

Copyright 2026 by WPLG Local10.com - All rights reserved.

About The Author
Sanela Sabovic

Sanela Sabovic

Sanela Sabovic joined Local 10 News in September 2012 as an assignment editor and associate producer. In August 2015, she became a full-time reporter and fill-in traffic reporter. Sanela holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in communications with a concentration in radio, television and film from DePaul University.