Stepfather's Emotional Confrontation with Derek Rosa in Courtroom Ends Case Over Irina Garcia's Death

The conviction of Derek Rosa brought closure to one of the most harrowing cases in South Florida in recent memory. Yet, the most poignant moment in the Miami-Dade courtroom was delivered not by the sentencing nor the brief apology from the young defendant, but through the heartfelt and direct words of Frank Ramos, Derek's stepfather and the father of Derek's younger sister.

During the final hearing last Friday, Ramos addressed Derek Rosa—then a 13-year-old Cuban-American boy who had brutally stabbed his mother, Irina Garcia, over 40 times while she slept in their Hialeah home with her newborn.

Ramos's statements, laden with unfulfilled affection and subdued reproach, painted a picture of the emotional void left by the tragedy and exposed the irrevocable fracture within a family once described by him as "very close-knit."

Frank Ramos Breaks Silence

"To me, you were like a son," said Frank Ramos, who was not present in Hialeah when the murder occurred in October 2023. Taking the stand, he addressed the young man he once raised as his own.

"To me, you were like a son; we were a very close family," Ramos remarked as he looked at Derek, who was clad in a prison uniform. "Your mother was a loving and dedicated parent, an excellent person. Her loss shattered our family and changed my life forever," he added, his voice breaking with emotion.

The crime took place when the baby that Irina Garcia and Frank Ramos had together was only 14 days old. Since then, Ramos has been raising the child alone. "After this tragedy, I was left alone with your little sister," he confessed.

"Nothing can justify what you did or bring your mother back, but I firmly believe you must take responsibility and face the consequences of your actions," he declared, making it clear that, despite any affection, there remains an unhealable wound.

Public Scrutiny and Personal Impact

Ramos also spoke about the public scrutiny that has affected his life beyond the familial grief. "Over these two years, I have been defamed and harassed, which has severely impacted my peace of mind and personal life," he stated.

The case sparked fervent debate on social media, filled with theories, accusations, and speculations about the motives behind the crime. While some defended the mental health of the minor, others demanded unyielding justice. Ramos found himself caught in this crossfire, according to his own testimony.

The court ultimately sentenced Derek Rosa to 25 years in prison for second-degree murder with a weapon. Following incarceration, he will serve an additional 20 years on probation and must undergo psychological treatment. Judge Richard Hersch ruled that Derek is prohibited from contacting his stepfather or sister upon his release.

Derek Rosa's Final Words

The hearing concluded with Derek Rosa's final statement. "I'm sorry, that's it, your Honor," the young man said, escorted by his attorney Dayliset Rielo.

A Family Torn Apart by Tragedy

Derek Rosa was just 13 years old when he committed the crime. His mother, Irina Garcia, succumbed to over 40 stab wounds to her back, neck, throat, and face. The newborn sister, unharmed, slept in the same bed.

It was Derek himself who dialed 911 to confess to the murder. During the trial, his defense argued that he suffered from ADHD and was on the autism spectrum, contending he did not fully understand the repercussions of his actions and had expressed suicidal thoughts afterward.

Nonetheless, these claims did not prevent prosecutors from using Derek's initial confession, a recorded statement made following his arrest, as a pivotal piece of evidence in securing the plea agreement.