Derek Rosa, the 14-year-old accused of murdering his mother in Hialeah last year, made a virtual court appearance during a hearing on Friday. His grandmother and father, who were present in the courtroom, were visibly emotional upon seeing him, noting his physical changes since his last appearance.
The brief hearing, which lasted only a few minutes according to local media, saw the judge deny for the second time the defense attorneys' request to transfer Rosa from the Metrowest adult jail to a juvenile detention center. The judge stated that he needs to review the minor's medical records and recent evaluations before making any decisions.
In August, Rosa's defense argued that the teenager, who has been diagnosed with autism and ADHD, isn't receiving the proper education at the adult facility. They believe a juvenile detention center would better address his educational needs.
Supporters of Derek Rosa, who believe in his innocence, attended the hearing. "We are mothers from all over the world who support him, love him from the bottom of our hearts, and are suffering along with his family through this process," said a woman to Telemundo 51. "The child is innocent until proven otherwise, and we do not believe Derek Rosa is capable of committing matricide," she added.
Discussion of Evidence and Trial Schedule
One of the topics discussed during the hearing was Plan 13 and the trial schedule. The defense also requested access to relevant evidence, including text messages between the police and Derek's stepfather and body camera footage from the arrest.
The judge expressed a desire for the trial to begin as soon as possible, with a tentative start date of December 2. Jury selection could commence on October 15.
The Crime
On the night of October 12, 2023, Rosa allegedly stabbed his mother to death while she slept. The incident occurred in front of his 14-day-old sister. Rosa then called 911, providing details of the crime inside their apartment at 211 West 79th Place, Hialeah. During the call, the operator repeatedly asked why he killed his mother, but Rosa did not respond.
After the murder, Rosa reportedly took photos of his mother's body and sent them to a friend, later confessing the act. When authorities arrived, he surrendered with his hands raised. His mother's body, identified as 39-year-old Irina García, was found next to the baby's crib, covered in stab wounds.
In early February, new footage from a doorbell security camera surfaced, showing the then-13-year-old talking with his mother inside their apartment hours before calling the police to report her death.
The case has garnered widespread attention, both in the United States and abroad. A movement of mothers is calling for an investigation into other potential suspects, asserting that the teenager is innocent. As it stands, Derek Rosa is set to be tried as an adult for first-degree murder.