Miami-Dade Warrant Service Ends in Fatal Shooting and Arrest in Child Porn Probe

A pre-dawn law enforcement operation in Palmetto Estates ended in tragedy Tuesday when Miami-Dade deputies fatally shot a man while serving a search warrant in a child pornography investigation.

Sheriff Rosie Cordero-Stutz said deputies arrived at a home on Southwest 155th Street around 5:30 a.m. as part of a yearlong Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) investigation involving victims as young as infancy. Ring camera footage showed Special Response Team members in tactical gear striking the side door before entering.

Deputies first encountered two adults and a child, all safely removed. Moments later, an armed individual confronted deputies. According to the sheriff, the person ignored commands to drop the weapon, prompting deputies to open fire. Despite immediate aid, the man died at the scene.

Family members identified the deceased as 21-year-old Christopher Barata. His mother, Judy Rodriguez, sobbed outside the home, insisting her family had no weapons and demanding proof. “They killed my son… they should’ve done things differently,” she said in Spanish.

Investigators stressed the Florida Department of Law Enforcement will review the shooting, as is standard.

A second son, 25-year-old Cristian Barata, was arrested. Records show he faces 25 felony charges, including possession and promotion of child sexual abuse material. The investigation began in October 2024 after an online provider reported uploads of explicit child abuse content linked to his account.

Rodriguez said both sons worked for TSA and rejected accusations against Cristian. TSA confirmed the employee’s access was revoked pending the investigation.

The sheriff vowed to continue identifying victims and ensuring they receive services. Rodriguez said the ordeal “destroyed my life” and plans to pursue legal action.