ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — Cristian Duran-Contreras, 25, has been charged with second-degree murder and burglary after his actions allegedly led to the death of Jose Luis Lopez, 26, who was shot and killed by deputies on February 8.
According to investigators, Duran-Contreras unlawfully entered Lopez’s home on West Castle Street following an argument over alcohol with Lopez. Deputies responded to two 911 calls from Lopez and a neighbor who reported seeing Duran-Contreras climb a ladder into the house. When officers arrived, they witnessed Lopez allegedly holding Duran-Contreras at knifepoint and proceeded to open fire when Lopez did not comply with their orders to drop the weapon.
However, Duran-Contreras has since claimed that Lopez did not have a knife, and he attempted to communicate with deputies, though he did not speak English. No knife was recovered at the scene, and further details about the weapon have not been clarified. The deputies involved in the shooting were placed on paid administrative leave pending an investigation by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE).
The incident occurred after an argument broke out between Lopez and Duran-Contreras, who were both roofers working together. According to the affidavit, Duran-Contreras refused to pay his share of the alcohol, prompting Lopez to enter the house, while a witness called an Uber for Duran-Contreras, which he declined. He then used a ladder to enter the home.
Following the shooting, Lopez was transported to the hospital, where he later died from his injuries.
As the investigation continues, FDLE will send its findings to the Orange-Osceola State Attorney’s Office for review, and the Orange County Sheriff’s Office will conduct its internal review.
This tragic incident has raised questions about the events leading up to the shooting and whether deputies acted appropriately under the circumstances. The body-worn camera footage from the incident is expected to be released soon, within the 30-day window outlined by the agency’s policy.
