Former Lee County deputy who killed son sentenced to 4-year prison term

Writer: Matthew Seaver
Published: Updated:
Sergio Perez, 60, took the stand during a June hearing to describe the events of day his son Ramon died. (Credit: WINK News)

A former Lee County Sheriff’s Office deputy who pleaded no contest to manslaughter in the killing of his son was sentenced to four years in prison.

Sergio Perez, 60, originally argued he acted in self-defense when he placed his son,  Ramon Perez, in a chokehold during an August 2019 argument at their Cape Coral home. However, a judge denied the use of the “stand your ground” defense.

Sergio Perez also will spend two years on probation following his prison term. He was ordered to have no contact with Ramon’s mother and other family.

Yadia Peña Rivera was in court with her family on Monday while Perez was being sentenced. “My son was a very lovable son. We’re very close, very close to me and my family and I’m just happy we got justice for him, for my son Ramon Perez,” she said afterward.

Peña Rivera said she still keeps Ramon close by wearing a locket with a photo from him, “he sent me a picture on the phone with the heart texting me saying I love you mom so I wore in memory of him.”

Ramon’s family describes the sentencing as a relief, but his aunt Deborah Gemelli said the family still has unanswered questions, “how we got to this point in the first place, how this just didn’t have to happen at all? There was so many avenues that could have prevented this. We would’ve hoped that maybe there was some type of remorse at some point which there never was but at the end justice was served.”

The family previously expressed disappointment in how short the prison time is but is grateful Sergio Perez is being held accountable.

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