Isabel Acosta, the mother of Irina García and grandmother to Cuban teenager Derek Rosa, has broken her silence nearly two years after a tragedy that shook the Cuban-American community in Hialeah. In an exclusive interview with Telemundo 51, she shared heartfelt insights about the lingering grief following her daughter's murder and the legal challenges facing her grandson, who is accused of stabbing his mother in her apartment on October 12, 2023. At the time of the incident, his 14-day-old half-brother was sleeping nearby.
During an initial police interview, Acosta described Derek as "an angel" and has consistently stood by him. Speaking in front of the cameras, she conveyed the enduring pain: "I feel the same as I did at the beginning. This will never go away, at least that's how I feel. Only God has given me the strength to carry on, only God and my grandson."
Accompanied by José Rosa, Derek's biological father, the grandmother reflected on the close bond between mother and son and the cherished moments from Derek's childhood. She also highlighted the societal judgment she faces while dealing with profound grief. Derek Rosa, who was 13 years old at the time, was arrested after calling 911 and confessing to the crime. He remains in an adult detention facility as Florida's judicial system determines his legal fate.
"My grandson is the best child in the world," Isabel Acosta stated, visibly emotional, to local reporters after a brief hearing in 2023. "This is not Derek. He is a good, loving, and affectionate boy... No one knows Derek like we do, and this is not him. He's not an adult, he's still a child who plays," another family member told the gathered press.
"Let's go, let's leave. I don't want any more cameras," the grandmother concluded, visibly distressed as she left the scene.
Recently, Derek Rosa's defense team initiated a legal motion that has stirred public reaction. They are seeking to exclude one of the case's most significant pieces of evidence—his own confession to the police. This motion is viewed by some as a legitimate effort to ensure due process, while others see it as a hindrance to uncovering the truth.
During a hearing last Friday in the Miami-Dade criminal court, defense attorneys argued that the confession was obtained without Derek, only 13 at the time, fully understanding his constitutional rights. They claim he "did not comprehend what it meant to speak to detectives without an attorney present," marking a significant violation of his procedural rights.
According to court documents, the defense asserts that Derek was given an incorrect warning when his rights were explained, prompting a request for a formal hearing to examine the legality of the interrogation.
Legal Proceedings and Rights of Minors in Florida
What are the main arguments of Derek Rosa's defense team?
The defense argues that Derek Rosa's confession was obtained without him fully understanding his legal rights, claiming that he was not properly informed of his right to have an attorney present during questioning.
Why is the exclusion of Derek Rosa's confession significant?
Excluding the confession could impact the case significantly, as it is one of the key pieces of evidence against him. The defense claims its exclusion is necessary to ensure a fair trial.
How has the public reacted to the defense's motion?
Public reactions are mixed; some view the motion as a rightful step for due process, while others see it as an impediment to justice and truth in the case.