A heartbreaking story from Florida is gaining national attention as a teenager faces serious charges and an outpouring of support. Fourteen-year-old Derek Rosa is accused of stabbing his mother, Irina Garcia, to death while she slept at their home in Hialeah. The tragedy took place in October 2023, just weeks after Garcia had given birth to her youngest child, a 14-day-old baby girl.
Rosa, who was just 13 years old at the time, is charged as an adult with first-degree murder. Prosecutors have presented evidence, including surveillance footage from inside the house. The footage reportedly shows Garcia lying in bed holding her baby at 10:23 p.m., and later, at 11:00 p.m., a male figure standing over her with an outstretched arm. Authorities say the teen stabbed his mother 46 times.
Photos shared by investigators add to the chilling details. They include an image of the alleged murder weapon—a kitchen knife with its tip broken off—covered in blood and hair. Another picture reportedly shows Rosa making a “hang loose” hand gesture with a bloody hand, an image he allegedly sent to friends.
After the incident, Rosa called 911 at 11:30 p.m. to report what had happened. According to Lt. Eddie Rodriguez of the Hialeah Police Department, Rosa was polite and calm during the call, even asking if sharing pictures of the crime was “bad.” Officers arrested him without incident, capturing the moment on body camera footage, where Rosa appeared calm and even fell asleep in the back of the police car.
Despite the disturbing evidence, Rosa’s case has drawn an unexpected wave of support. Mothers from across the country, including Ariana Reyes from Chicago and Martha Hernandez from California, have traveled to Miami-Dade County to rally for his innocence. These supporters believe Rosa is being wrongfully accused and that someone else might have been involved. They’ve been seen protesting outside the courthouse with signs and shirts bearing Rosa’s face, chanting, “Free Derek!”
Reyes, speaking to reporters, said she doesn’t believe Rosa could commit such an act. “He is a child; he can easily be manipulated by an adult,” she said, pointing out noises heard in the background of the 911 call as a potential clue that others were present.
Rosa, described as a straight-A student and a boy who had never been in trouble, has left his community in shock. His lawyer, Kristen Jackwin, has emphasized his young age, reminding people that just two months before the incident, he was still a 12-year-old child. She said Rosa has the full support of his family and expressed faith in the justice system to uncover the truth.
The trial is expected to begin later this year, with Rosa’s next hearing scheduled for Thursday. As the case unfolds, it has sparked debates about justice, the treatment of minors in the legal system, and the search for the truth behind this devastating crime.
