A newly released video from NBC6 captures the intense moment when Derek Rosa, a young Cuban teen charged with the horrific stabbing death of his mother, is apprehended by Hialeah police. The footage, dated October 12, 2023, shows Rosa, then 13, being taken into custody.
In the bodycam recording, Derek is seen emerging from the apartment with his hands raised as officers aim their weapons, commanding him to get on the ground. "Come here, hands up, on the ground, on the ground!" the officers are heard shouting.
After being handcuffed, the teenager informs the officers that the knife is located in his room and mentions the presence of a baby in the house. "There's a knife in my room," Rosa states. "The knife is in the room," an officer repeats. "There's supposed to be another child," another officer remarks. "There's a baby," Rosa responds. "How's the baby? Did you do anything to the damn baby?" the first officer asks. "No, I didn't do anything to the baby," Rosa replies.
Inside the room, officers discovered the body of 39-year-old Irina García, Derek's mother, who had been stabbed over 40 times, lying next to the newborn's crib. Fortunately, the baby was unharmed.
Rosa himself placed the 911 call to confess to the gruesome crime. According to the arrest report, he committed the murder while his mother slept, took pictures of her body, and sent them to a friend via social media. He also admitted his actions during a phone call.
Derek, an eighth-grader at iMater Academy, faces a first-degree murder charge and is being tried as an adult. He is currently held without bail at the Metro West Detention Center. While an official trial date has not been set, the presiding judge suggested it might commence in June. The defense has indicated plans to introduce mental health considerations for the minor.
In another video, detectives interview the accused's grandmother, who tearfully states, "I never saw him with mental problems; he was a normal, intelligent child... I don't know what happened. All I know is that I no longer have my daughter."
Back in March, Univision aired previously unseen footage of Derek Rosa's arrest and transport, highlighting his demeanor in the hours following the crime. The video shows him appearing calm, cooperative, and somewhat sleepy while handcuffed in the patrol car. Later, at the station, he maintains a composed demeanor during questioning and data collection.
Understanding the Case of Derek Rosa
What were the circumstances of Irina García's death?
Irina García was found dead in her apartment, having suffered over 40 stab wounds. Her body was discovered by police next to a crib, but fortunately, the baby was unharmed.
How did Derek Rosa respond after committing the crime?
Derek Rosa called 911 to confess to the murder. He also took photographs of his mother's body and shared them with a friend on social media, later admitting his actions during a phone call.
What is the current legal status of Derek Rosa?
Derek Rosa is charged with first-degree murder and is being tried as an adult. He is detained without bail at the Metro West Detention Center, with a potential trial start in June.