This Monday, a court hearing scheduled for July 15 was postponed in the case of Derek Rosa, the 13-year-old accused of fatally stabbing his mother in Hialeah last October, according to Telemundo 51.
As of now, the reason for the cancellation of today's hearing has not been disclosed.
Previous Court Proceedings and Concerns
During a prior hearing in April, Rosa was not present, but his relatives attended the court session along with about 50 supporters who claim the teenager is innocent. After the April hearing, Dayliset Rielo, one of Rosa's attorneys, expressed concerns about the conditions under which the minor is being held in prison.
Last year, the judge overseeing the case, Richard Hersch, denied a defense motion to transfer the teenager from Metrowest, an adult jail, to a juvenile detention center.
Details of the Incident
On the night of October 12, 2023, the teenager allegedly stabbed his mother to death while she slept. This tragic event occurred in front of his 14-day-old baby sister. Rosa then called 911, detailing the events that transpired in the apartment located at 211 West 79th Place in Hialeah. During the call, the operator repeatedly asked the minor why he killed his mother, but Rosa did not respond.
Following the murder, Derek Rosa took photos of his mother's body and sent them to a friend, according to police reports. He then told the same friend that he had killed her. When authorities arrived, the teenager came out with his hands raised. The body of his mother, Irina García, 39, was found stabbed next to the baby’s crib.
In early February of this year, new images from a doorbell security camera surfaced, showing the 13-year-old talking to his mother inside their apartment hours before he called the police to report that he had killed her.
Public Reaction and Legal Proceedings
The case has garnered significant attention both within the United States and internationally. There is a movement of mothers calling for an investigation into other possible suspects, asserting that the teenager is innocent.
Derek Rosa is being tried as an adult for first-degree murder.
Key Questions About Derek Rosa's Case
To provide more clarity on this high-profile case, we have compiled some frequently asked questions and their answers.
Why was Derek Rosa's hearing postponed?
The reason for the postponement of the hearing has not been disclosed as of now.
What are the conditions under which Derek Rosa is being held?
Derek Rosa is currently being held at Metrowest, an adult jail, despite defense motions to transfer him to a juvenile detention center.
What evidence has surfaced in Derek Rosa's case?
Evidence includes a 911 call made by Rosa, photos of the crime scene sent to a friend, and security camera footage showing Rosa speaking with his mother hours before the incident.