Cuban-American Teen Accused of Killing Mother Returns to Miami Court

Derek Rosa, the Cuban-American teenager who shocked the Hialeah community by admitting to the murder of his mother in 2023, was back in the spotlight this Friday. He appeared in a court hearing via Zoom, dressed in a brown juvenile jumpsuit, wearing glasses, and sporting short hair.

Now 14 years old, Rosa faces first-degree murder charges for the death of his mother, Irina García, who was killed while she slept beside her two-week-old baby. Awaiting trial, the teenager remains in custody at the Metro West Detention Center, an adult facility located in South Florida.

The latest development in Rosa's case involves a new defense strategy that could alter its trajectory. Rosa's defense team has suggested Frank Ramos, the victim's husband and Rosa's stepfather, as a potential alternative suspect, according to NBC Miami.

Court documents reveal that the defense has requested access to Facebook messages held by the prosecution. These messages allegedly contain conversations where Ramos disclosed specific details about the crime, such as García's reaction to the attack. It is reported that she awoke, called for help, and confronted the assailant, who ultimately stabbed her 46 times, as detailed by police in an earlier phase. However, prosecutors have opposed the inclusion of these conversations as evidence, arguing that GPS data confirms Ramos was traveling on I-95 towards Georgia at the time of the murder.

"The messages indicate that Ramos maintains his innocence, demands justice for his loved one's death, and expresses empathy for the tragedy," said Assistant Prosecutor Jonathan Borst. Ramos has claimed that he learned these details from conversations with officers who questioned him following García's death.

Judge Richard Hersch stated that he will privately review the messages to determine their relevance and whether they should be disclosed to the defense. Rosa's trial is set for June, but his defense has requested a delay, citing the need to review key evidence, interview witnesses, and allow a medical expert to assess the teen. They are also considering incorporating mental health issues into their defense strategy.

Judge Hersch emphasized the urgency of the case, noting, "Unlike other cases, we're not going to wait six months to see what happens, especially with a 14-year-old in detention awaiting trial."

Derek Rosa has pleaded not guilty to the charges against him. His case has attracted significant attention not only because of the crime's severity but also due to the personal circumstances surrounding the teenager and his defense strategy, which now seeks to cast doubt on his direct involvement in the homicide.