The case of Derek Rosa has once again gripped public attention this week as the teenager appeared in Miami-Dade criminal court, listening to key parts of his confession, including the 911 call he made after allegedly killing his mother.
During the hearing, excerpts from the police interview and the 911 call made by Derek following the incident were played.
In the recordings, the teenager described how he first contacted an online friend, informing them of the stabbing and even sending photographs of the body.
The scene in the courtroom was intense: As the interrogation audio and video played, Rosa covered his ears, avoiding the sound of his own voice recounting the crime to the operator.
One of the clips presented in court featured Rosa narrating the attack with words that shocked those present.
He stated that he initially "cut" her neck and then stabbed her in a spot where "a lot of blood comes out."
It was during this playback that the young man placed his hands over his ears, a reaction that did not go unnoticed by the audience.
Throughout the hearing, Rosa—dressed in the brown jail uniform—mostly kept his head down, staring at the floor.
The hearing marked a pivotal moment in the legal proceedings, as Circuit Court Judge Richard Hersch ruled that Rosa's confession could be admitted as evidence during the trial.
This decision strengthens the prosecution's strategy and will be crucial when the case reaches the deliberation phase.
A Confession Admitted as Evidence
On the second day of hearings focused on evaluating the validity of the minor's statements, the court heard testimony from Detective Joseph Elosegui, the Hialeah police officer who led the initial interrogation following the crime on October 12, 2023.
Elosegui testified that Derek, who is now 15 and was 13 at the time of the crime, recounted the events "calmly," without visible signs of distress or emotional turmoil.
The detective asserted that the teenager began providing details of the crime voluntarily, and no confrontation with evidence was needed to obtain the confession.
The 911 Call: A Crucial Component for the Prosecution
The prosecution argued that Derek's behavior during the 911 call demonstrated his full understanding of the situation.
According to the prosecutors, the teenager followed the operator's instructions, showed concern for his own safety, and appeared in control of the situation.
During the hearing, a prosecutor highlighted a specific moment in the audio:
"His response was: fine. He said he was fine when asked. He didn't say 'help me,' didn't express distress, didn't indicate there was a problem, or that he didn't know what was happening. He didn't ask about his parents or where he was. His first response was: I'm fine. And that, more than anything else, clearly reflects his mental state."
The State argued that this exchange demonstrates that Rosa was conscious, oriented, and fully capable when speaking with the authorities.
The judge ultimately determined that these statements meet legal standards and can be presented to the jury during the trial, set to begin at the end of January.
The Shocking Crime in Hialeah
According to police and prosecutors, Derek Rosa stabbed his mother, Irina García, 39, at their family home in Hialeah.
Authorities claim that the teenager attacked her while she was asleep, inflicting 46 stab wounds with a kitchen knife.
Also present in the home was the victim's younger daughter, a newborn baby just two weeks old, who was unharmed in her crib.
Debate Over Mental Capacity
The defense, led by attorney Dayliset Rielo, sought to exclude the confession, arguing that the minor lacked the maturity and capability to fully understand his constitutional rights.
Among the points raised in court, the defense noted that Derek asked, "What is a lawyer?" prior to the interrogation, did not know his address or phone number, and struggled to read the word "coercion" when signing the waiver of his right to remain silent.
They also contended that the teenager should have had a parent present during the interrogation.
Additionally, the attorneys highlighted that Rosa has been diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and is on the autism spectrum, asserting that his mental state was compromised.
According to the defense, during the 911 call, the young man expressed suicidal thoughts and, when asked why he killed his mother, responded that he did not want to live, which they argue indicates confusion and an inability to respond clearly and coherently.
The prosecution countered these arguments by pointing out that, despite the diagnoses, academic evaluations showed Derek had reading and comprehension skills above average for his grade level.
They also emphasized that the teenager invoked his right to an attorney at a later point, which, according to the State, proves he understood his rights.
Detective Elosegui testified that he clearly explained the legal concepts and that the young man comprehended what was being communicated.
A Decision Shaping the Case's Future
With Judge Richard Hersch's ruling, Derek Rosa's confession becomes one of the most compelling pieces of evidence the prosecution can present to the jury. The case, however, remains surrounded by controversy and national media attention.
In recent hearings, dozens attended the court to show support for the teenager, some wearing shirts with his name and image, and even praying in the courtroom.
Supporters insist on his innocence and argue that the judicial system has not adequately considered his age or mental condition.
Meanwhile, the prosecution and defense continue to explore the possibility of a plea deal before the trial begins, though it's unclear if those discussions have progressed.
A defense motion to delay the trial's start, currently scheduled for late January, is also pending.
Understanding the Legal Proceedings in Derek Rosa's Case
What was Derek Rosa accused of?
Derek Rosa was accused of stabbing his mother, Irina García, 46 times while she was asleep in their home in Hialeah.
Why is the 911 call important for the prosecution?
The 911 call is crucial because it demonstrates Derek's awareness and control of the situation, as he followed instructions and showed concern for his safety, indicating his mental state at the time.
What are the defense's arguments regarding Derek's confession?
The defense argues that Derek lacked the maturity to understand his rights, citing his ADHD and autism diagnoses, and contending that he should have had parental presence during interrogation.
What was the court's decision on using Derek's confession?
Judge Richard Hersch ruled that Derek's confession could be used as evidence during the trial, strengthening the prosecution's case.