The legal saga surrounding Derek Rosa, a teenager from Hialeah who confessed to murdering his mother, has taken a new turn with the release of a brief handwritten note from the convicted youth.
After months of media scrutiny, public speculation, and legal battles, Derek has issued a message through his attorney, signaling the conclusion of his case:
“Thank you to everyone who helped with my case.”
Signed as Derek Steven Rosa and dated January 19, 2026, the note was shared on the Instagram account of his lawyer, Dayliset Rielo.
In just one line, the 15-year-old broke his silence after accepting a plea deal that resulted in a 25-year prison sentence.
Defense's Standpoint: Dignity Over Sensationalism
Alongside Derek's note, his attorney Dayliset Rielo issued a passionate statement, in both English and Spanish, defending the legal handling of the case, condemning media sensationalism, and urging respect for the young man's family.
“As a defense attorney, we approached this case with purpose, determination, and unwavering legal rigor, and the record speaks for itself, unequivocally, louder than any rumor or headline," she stated.
Rielo emphasized that this case should not be treated as entertainment. “This is not media spectacle or a story for public consumption; it involves the life of a child and his family, and that truth demands dignity, respect, and responsibility," she added.
She also underscored her commitment to the principles of the justice system. “Due process is not negotiable; it is the cornerstone of our justice system, and I will defend it unapologetically, regardless of public pressure or outcry," Rielo affirmed.
Finally, she made it clear that no further statements would be issued immediately: “For now, this is the last statement I will make on this page about Derek Rosa; the rest of this story, including future declarations, will be shared with Derek and his family when they are ready and deem it the appropriate time.”
Prosecutor's Perspective: An Irreversible Tragedy
Miami-Dade County State Attorney Katherine Fernandez Rundle also recently responded to the case closure with a strong statement:
“With today's guilty plea, Derek Rosa admitted what he had already told a 911 operator and confessed to police detectives: that he killed his mother. The pain Irina García suffered from 46 stab wounds was only surpassed by the certainty that the person killing her was her own son," the prosecutor stated harshly.
“The conclusion of this criminal case does not lessen the profound tragedy of Derek's actions. By taking his mother's life, he also robbed himself of much of his own future," she concluded.
A Case Defined by Horror
The crime occurred on October 12, 2023, in the apartment he shared with his mother, Irina García, in Hialeah. Derek was 13 years old at the time. According to the investigation, he stabbed his mother while she slept. He later called 911, confessed, and surrendered without resistance.
A baby monitor allegedly captured the teen standing over his mother's body. In court, on the day of his guilty plea, he managed to say a brief “I'm sorry” to his relatives.
Throughout the judicial process, disturbing details about Derek's behavior before the crime emerged. Prosecutors noted that the young man had shown an obsession with extreme violence.
He had shared with friends his desire to resemble Jason, the fictional character from Friday the 13th, and sent his girlfriend a video about suicide, which led her to end their relationship.
On the day of the murder, Rosa conducted internet searches such as “What is the best place to stab someone?” and “Can a knife cut through bone?”
For the prosecution, these elements were crucial in supporting the original first-degree murder charge. However, just days before the trial was set to begin, the defense and prosecution reached an agreement that avoided a court hearing.
In addition to the 25-year prison sentence, the agreement included a restraining order preventing Derek from approaching his stepfather and younger sister. The measure aims to protect what remains of the family unit and minimize further trauma.
The case of Derek Rosa has always been a devastating blend of violence, youth, silence, and public exposure. The note published this week doesn't resolve the questions still surrounding the case but leaves an emotional imprint:
“Thank you to everyone who helped with my case.”
Such a succinct phrase, coming from a young man convicted of such a brutal crime, can be interpreted as a sign of remorse, resignation, or simply closure.
The attorney has already made it clear that the rest of the story, if it is ever shared, will be when her client and his family are ready.
For now, the only certainty is that the life of Derek Rosa—and those around him—has been forever altered.
Questions About Derek Rosa's Case
What was the outcome of Derek Rosa's trial?
Derek Rosa accepted a plea deal resulting in a 25-year prison sentence for the murder of his mother.
How did Derek Rosa's attorney respond to the media's coverage of the case?
Derek's attorney, Dayliset Rielo, condemned media sensationalism and emphasized the need for dignity and respect for the family involved.
What were some of the disturbing details revealed during the trial?
Details revealed included Derek's obsession with extreme violence and internet searches on how to stab someone, which supported the prosecution's case.