In February 2025, a tragic incident unfolded in Orlando involving the Orange County Sheriff’s Office (OCSO). Deputies responded to a reported burglary at the home of 26-year-old Jose Luis Lopez. Upon arrival, they observed a ladder leading to a window and two men inside: Lopez and Cristian Duran Contreras. According to deputies, Lopez appeared to be armed with a knife and was holding Contreras in a headlock. Despite commands to drop the weapon, Lopez did not comply, leading deputies to fatally shoot him. However, investigators later reported that no knife was found at the scene.
Contreras was arrested and charged with felony murder, burglary, and theft. The OCSO contends that Contreras’ alleged unlawful entry set off the chain of events resulting in Lopez’s death, thereby justifying the felony murder charge.
The decision to proceed with the felony murder charge rests with the State Attorney’s Office, which will evaluate the evidence and circumstances surrounding the incident.
Attorney Jonathan Rose questioned the felony murder charge against Contreras.
