A 32-year-old Florida man, Alexander Deltoro, is facing charges related to the fatal shooting of his mother, Cindy Gale Deltoro, 60, during a family dispute. The incident occurred in December 2019, following a celebration of Deltoro’s 28th birthday. The accused recently appeared in court, seeking to have his manslaughter charges dismissed under Florida’s “Stand Your Ground” law, claiming self-defense.
The law, which has been a subject of controversy, allows a person to use deadly force if they believe their life is in danger. Deltoro argued that his father was also armed during the altercation, which escalated from a verbal argument to a physical fight. He claimed that his father had him pinned against a wall and reached into his pocket, leading him to believe he was in imminent danger.
However, the presiding judge dismissed Deltoro’s self-defense claim, ruling that the case should proceed to trial. The decision was based on the circumstances surrounding the incident, which took place at the family’s home in Margate, Florida.
According to court documents, the dispute began in the car on the way home from the birthday celebration. Deltoro allegedly struck his father with his arm during the ride, and the argument continued to escalate once they arrived home. The documents further state that the father pinned his son against a concrete wall, causing Deltoro’s glasses to fall off, leaving him visually impaired.
Deltoro, who was unlawfully carrying a concealed 9mm Glock handgun, attempted to retrieve the firearm during the altercation. His mother intervened, managing to separate the two men. However, Deltoro then allegedly produced the firearm, pointed it in his mother’s direction, and discharged a single round. The bullet struck Cindy Deltoro in the face, resulting in her death.
During police questioning, Deltoro admitted to carrying a concealed firearm without a permit. He also stated that he became aggravated during the physical altercation and pulled out the firearm, but did not intend to discharge it. He further claimed that without his glasses, he was unable to see clearly.
The court documents concluded that Deltoro’s actions demonstrated a “gross and flagrant course of conduct, which was a reckless disregard for human life and the safety of persons exposed to dangers.”