Margate Man on Trial for 2019 Shooting Death of His Mother During Family Dispute

by Ryan Yousefi May 2, 2025

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{WPLG Video}

Jurors in a Broward County courtroom watched as prosecutors continued building their case in a long-delayed trial stemming from a 2019 Margate manslaughter case.

More than five years after a family dispute turned deadly, Alexander Deltoro Jr., 33, of Margate, is on trial for the shooting death of his mother.

Margate Police Department records show that Deltoro had just celebrated his 28th birthday at the time of the shooting, when a heated argument with his father turned physical at their Margate home.

During the scuffle, investigation records show Deltoro retrieved a handgun and fired a single shot that struck and killed his 60-year-old mother, Cindy Deltoro, who was trying to break up the fight.

During his interrogation, when asked whether he pulled out the gun to scare his father, Deltoro replied, “Why would I do that?” according to video shown to the jury.

Detectives say Deltoro admitted he was aggravated during the physical struggle and that he pulled out the gun without intent to fire it. He also told officers he was unable to see clearly without his glasses, which had fallen off during the altercation.

Deltoro’s defense team has argued the shooting was an act of self-defense, claiming he believed his father was reaching for a weapon. However, a judge denied a Stand Your Ground motion to dismiss the charges last year, allowing the case to proceed to trial.

According to the arrest report, the conflict began when Deltoro elbowed his father while driving home from dinner. The argument escalated once home, culminating in a struggle between father and son that ended with Cindy Deltoro being fatally shot in the head.

Deltoro was arrested the next day and charged with manslaughter, carrying a concealed firearm, and battery. He was released on a $40,000 bond following his arraignment in January 2020.

The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic shortly thereafter caused extended delays in the case, as courts across the state paused proceedings.

If convicted of manslaughter, a first-degree felony, Deltoro could face up to 30 years in prison.

The trial continues this week.

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Ryan Yousefi

Ryan Yousefi has lived in Coral Springs for over 30 years. He has worked as a writer for multiples outlets over the years, including the Miami New Times where he has covered sports and culture since 2013. He holds a Bachelor's Degree and a Master's Degree in Business Healthcare Management from Western Governors University.