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Why Derek Rosa's Legal Team Wants to Investigate the Stepfather

Thursday, April 24, 2025 by Abigail Marquez

The defense team for Derek Rosa, the teenager accused of murdering his mother in October 2023, has significantly shifted its legal strategy. Moving beyond the initial focus on the teenager's confession, the lawyers have now introduced an alternative theory that points to Frank Ramos, the stepfather and partner of the victim, as a potential suspect.

This new approach is grounded in the existence of messages and audio recordings in which Ramos allegedly described details of the homicide that, according to the defense, could only be known by someone present at the crime scene or directly involved in the incident. The defense, led by renowned attorney José Báez, presented this revised legal strategy during a hearing on Monday, questioning how Ramos could have known such specific details if he was not present during the murder.

The Unexpected Turn: An Alternative Crime Theory

The defense argues that "audio and messages exchanged on social media by Frank Ramos... could lead to a second theory where Rosa is not the culprit and another suspect emerges," as reported by Univision from the defense's documents. In these Facebook messages, Ramos provides a detailed account of the crime, allegedly without having witnessed it: “the victim’s precise reaction, movements upon getting out of bed, her cry for help, the struggle with the attacker, and the spot where she ultimately collapsed.” The defense claims these details could not have been deduced simply by observing the scene afterward.

"The stepfather does not claim to have received details from Derek Rosa... Instead, he now asserts that he invented them based on his observations of the crime scene. However, the stepfather is neither an expert in blood spatter nor experienced in observing, processing, or handling crime scenes," the document explains. "The existence of these messages suggests an alternative theory, where Derek Rosa may not be the true perpetrator... The level of detail in Ramos' descriptions, without being present - according to his own account - raises reasonable doubts and suggests he might have been at the crime scene or witnessed it somehow."

As such, the lawyers argue that Ramos' messages are "exculpatory and exonerating. The messages are exculpatory because they suggest an alternative theory, which, of course, includes that Derek Rosa is not the guilty party."

What Did the Messages Contain and Why Are They Important?

The defense has requested that all text messages, audio recordings, and social media posts by Frank Ramos be included as judicial evidence. Moreover, they assert that if the prosecution opposes admitting this evidence, it would severely "prejudice" their client. According to defense statements reported by Univision: "The Facebook messages and audio are exculpatory... because they suggest an alternative theory... The stepfather does not claim to have received details from Derek Rosa."

Questions About Frank Ramos' Alibi

The defense has also started to dismantle Ramos' alibi. Although the prosecution claims the stepfather was working in Georgia the night of the crime, Rosa’s lawyers have requested access to Ramos' work records, which the prosecution has firmly opposed. Court documents mention that Ramos is a truck driver and had claimed to be working out of state... the prosecution supported his statement by presenting work records indicating his presence there.

However, the defense has called for a second statement from Guillermo Sevilla Velázquez, Ramos' coworker, who “was hesitant to identify a crucial photo showing an alleged trailer exchange between him and Ramos.” Additionally, a trip Ramos made shortly after the murder is under scrutiny: “he purchased three plane tickets from Cuba to the United States on November 18, 2023, thirty-seven days after the crime.” Although Ramos confirmed the ticket purchase, he did not provide “the exact purchase date or the passengers' names.” The defense sees this as a crucial link "temporally... to the events."

The Prosecution's Response

The prosecution has responded firmly to this defense strategy. In their legal arguments, they maintain that "there is currently no evidence suggesting the witness was present at the crime, and all available documentary and video evidence shows he was in Georgia at the time of the incident." Regarding the Facebook messages and their viral spread on social media, the prosecution claims that "the witness has indicated that any messages about the event itself are based on what he has learned through media reports and/or conversations with law enforcement, not on personal knowledge or via a third party." They also refuse to release Ramos' work records, citing privacy violations.

Frank Ramos himself reacted to the accusations with a firm statement: “I don’t have to explain myself. The prosecution is handling all of this.” He insists that the situation has turned him into a victim as well. Notably, Frank Ramos was married in Cuba, and Irina García, Derek Rosa's mother, was an extramarital relationship. However, the deceased woman and Ramos had just had a child together at the time of the tragedy.

Confessions and Evidence Still Weighing on Derek Rosa

Despite the defense’s efforts to introduce an alternative theory, the prosecution maintains that Rosa confessed to the crime on two occasions: during the 911 call and later to detectives. Additionally, it was leaked that the teenager “allegedly took a selfie after the crime, with a bloody hand, sticking out his tongue and waving,” which he sent to a friend along with “two images of his mother's body.” This evidence continues to be viewed as compelling by the prosecutors.

However, the defense has questioned its context and suggested that Rosa might be suffering from a mental disorder. In March, the defense announced it was assessing the young man's mental health as a potential legal argument. “The incident itself qualifies as a traumatic event, regardless of the theories presented by each party, especially given the adolescent brain. This requires a longer and more comprehensive evaluation than usual. A thorough assessment must address prior trauma, which requires time and repeated visits,” they argued.

What Lies Ahead in the Legal Process?

So far, Judge Richard Hersch has not made a definitive ruling on whether the request to formally investigate the stepfather will be accepted or if the trial will be postponed. The defense attorneys have requested an extension, warning that failing to grant it could "violate the teenager's right to counsel." Meanwhile, the next hearing is scheduled for April 26, although the trial date, initially set for June, remains unconfirmed.

The inclusion of Frank Ramos as a possible alternative suspect opens an unexpected chapter in an already deeply complex case. The doubts raised by the defense, based on the precise details Ramos shared without having witnessed the crime, the purchase of airline tickets after the homicide, and an alibi beginning to show cracks, could potentially reshape the legal proceedings.

Key Questions Surrounding the Derek Rosa Case

Why is the defense focusing on Frank Ramos?

The defense is focusing on Frank Ramos due to messages and audios where he describes details of the crime that could only be known by someone present at the scene or directly involved, suggesting an alternative suspect.

What is the prosecution's stance on the defense's new theory?

The prosecution argues that there is no evidence suggesting Ramos was present at the crime and that all documentary and video evidence indicates he was in Georgia at the time.

How is the defense challenging Ramos' alibi?

The defense is questioning Ramos' alibi by requesting his work records and examining a coworker's statement, along with scrutinizing a trip Ramos made after the murder.

What evidence does the prosecution have against Derek Rosa?

The prosecution points to Derek Rosa's confessions during a 911 call and to detectives, as well as a selfie and images he allegedly took and sent after the crime.

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