Recently surfaced, previously unseen footage depicts the arrest of Derek Rosa, the teenager from Hialeah accused of fatally stabbing his mother, Irina García, on October 12, 2023. This exclusive material, shared by Univision, originates from a Hialeah police officer’s body camera and provides a comprehensive visual account—from the officers’ arrival at the crime scene after Derek Rosa himself made the 911 call, to the young man being escorted into the interrogation room.
911 Call and Police Arrival
The footage captures the officers responding to the alert, sprinting towards the apartment complex where Derek lived with his mother, newborn sister, and stepfather. Initially, the officers mistakenly approach the wrong apartments but eventually locate the teenager's residence. Armed with rifles and uncertain about the situation, the police proceed with extreme caution.
Upon arrival, one officer rushes back to his patrol car, moves it closer to the building, and soon after, Derek Rosa is seen handcuffed and placed in the back of the vehicle. Inside the patrol car, the officer can be heard asking for his name and other personal information. Despite the gravity of the situation and his young age, Rosa appears calm during his nearly two-hour wait in the police car. The video shows moments where he seems uncomfortable due to the handcuffs but also appears to doze off briefly.
Calm Demeanor at the Police Station
The patrol car eventually heads to the Hialeah police station. Throughout the ride, Derek remains composed, gazing out the window. Upon arrival, an officer escorts Rosa from the car through the parking lot and into the building. The video shows him calmly walking through the hallways to the detainee processing area.
Inside a cell, the officer checks for pockets and removes the drawstring from his pajamas as part of standard anti-suicide procedures. After securing the cell, the officer removes Derek’s handcuffs and leaves him inside. Rosa is depicted sitting with the same calm demeanor he exhibited since being placed in the patrol car.
Minutes later, the officer returns, re-cuffs Rosa, and leads him to meet a detective who guides him to the interrogation room. It takes nearly three hours from the emergency call to the start of formal questioning.
The Hialeah Crime That Shocked the Community
Derek Rosa faces charges of first-degree murder for allegedly stabbing his mother, Irina García, approximately 40 times with a kitchen knife, according to official documents. The horrific act occurred inside the family’s apartment while his newborn sister was asleep in another room. The brutal nature of the crime and Rosa's young age have deeply shocked the South Florida community. He is currently held at the Metro West adult prison.
Ongoing Legal Proceedings
Over a year since the crime, the judicial process is still underway. Although the trial date remains undecided, it's tentatively expected to occur in June, barring further delays. Derek’s defense team has indicated that his mental health could be a significant factor in the trial. Meanwhile, the prosecution has not identified any other individuals as suspects or persons of interest in this case.
Key Questions About the Hialeah Murder Case
What evidence led to Derek Rosa's arrest?
Derek Rosa was arrested after he himself called 911, leading police to the crime scene where his mother was found stabbed to death.
How did Derek Rosa behave during his arrest?
Despite the serious charges, Derek Rosa remained calm throughout his arrest and transport to the police station, as seen in the body camera footage.
What are the potential implications of Derek's mental health in the trial?
The defense has suggested that Derek Rosa's mental health could play a crucial role in determining the outcome of the trial, potentially influencing sentencing or charges.