David DeJesus Contreras, 52, is charged with second-degree murder following the shooting death of his son Eric, 21, in their Kendall home, Nov. 3, 2023.
The father accused of fatally shooting his son can await trial at home, a Miami-Dade County judge has ruled.
Judge David Young called the case "a tragedy" but allowed David Contreras to be released from jail in favor of strict house arrest.
Contreras can meet with his lawyers and attend therapy with the judge's prior permission, but he must wear an ankle monitor and have no contact with family.
The courtroom was filled with emotional family and friends including his wife and parents.
"It seems like we have a Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde type of situation," Young said. "To friends in public he was one way and [at] home with his son with all these issues he was another."
The judge decided Contreras was no threat to anyone else.
"I know the state wants me to keep him in [jail], but I can't get over the fact that this was an isolated incident, it doesn't pose a danger to the community at large, so therefore I’m going to grant release."
During Tuesday's court hearing, the prosecutor played the 911 call that Contreras, 52, made Nov. 3rd admitting to shooting Eric Contreras, 21, in their Kendall home.
"I'm fighting with my son, and I lost it. I lost it. He wouldn't stop," Contreras told the 911 operator on the recording.
"And you said you shot him?" the operator asked.
"Yes," Contreras said, while breathing heavily.
He is charged with second-degree murder. No trial date has been set.