The Orange County Sheriff’s Office (OCSO) has released body-worn camera footage related to the fatal deputy-involved shooting that occurred on February 8, 2025, on W. Castle Street. The video was made public in accordance with the department’s policy on releasing video recordings in critical incidents.
The Initial Incident
The events unfolded late on the night of February 8, 2025, when deputies responded to a reported burglary in progress at a home on W. Castle Street. Upon arrival, deputies saw two men engaged in a physical altercation inside the residence. According to initial reports, one of the men was armed with a knife.
Deputies issued multiple commands for the man to drop the weapon, but he allegedly did not comply. Two deputies then fired their service weapons, striking the man. Authorities provided medical aid until paramedics arrived and transported him to the hospital, where he was later pronounced dead.
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) is leading the investigation into the shooting and will submit its findings to the State Attorney’s Office for review. Following this process, the OCSO will conduct its own internal investigation.
The deputies involved in the shooting were placed on temporary, paid administrative leave pending the initial FDLE review, as is standard protocol in such cases.
Victim Identified
On February 18, 2025, OCSO identified the man who was fatally shot by deputies as Jose Luis Lopez Lopez, 26. Officials did not provide further details at that time but reiterated that body-worn camera footage would be released within the designated timeframe.
Suspect Arrested and Charged
On February 28, 2025, officials announced that criminal charges had been filed in connection with the case. Investigators determined that Cristian Duran Contreras, 25, was unlawfully inside the residence at the time of the incident, constituting burglary. On February 26, Contreras turned himself in and was arrested on multiple charges, including Second Degree Felony Murder, Burglary to an Occupied Dwelling, Burglary of a Conveyance, and Petit Theft.
Authorities have not released additional details, but they confirmed that body-worn camera footage from the incident would be made public within 30 days, in accordance with department policy.
Authorities confirmed that no knife was found at the scene.
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