The courtroom fell into a heavy silence as a disturbing video began to play, showing a teenage boy describing the killing of his own mother.
While lawyers, judges, and observers watched, the teen quietly bowed his head and pressed his hands over his ears, as if trying to shut out his own words.
That moment set the tone for a hearing tied to one of Florida’s most shocking recent family crime cases.
A Teen Facing a First-Degree Murder Charge
Derek Rosa, now 15, is preparing to stand trial for first-degree murder over the death of his mother, Irina Garcia.
Prosecutors say the killing happened in October 2023, when Rosa was just 13 years old.
According to investigators, Garcia was stabbed more than 40 times with a kitchen knife inside the family’s apartment in Hialeah, Florida.
Despite the graphic evidence and recorded statements, Rosa has entered a not-guilty plea as the case moves toward trial.
Lawyers Push Back Against the Confession Video
During a hearing on January 5, Rosa’s legal team asked the court to throw out footage of a police interrogation in which the teen appears to admit to the killing.
The video reportedly shows Rosa telling detectives that he woke up, grabbed a purple-handled kitchen knife, went into his mother’s bedroom, and attacked her.
As that confession was played in court, Rosa avoided looking at the screen, instead staring down and blocking his ears, a reaction that drew attention from everyone present.
Graphic Details From the Interrogation
Authorities say Rosa described trying to strike a major artery and spoke about the amount of blood he saw during the attack.
Investigators later recovered a kitchen knife with a purple handle from the apartment, reportedly covered in blood, matching details from his statement.
Prosecutors argue that the level of detail supports the authenticity of the confession and ties directly to physical evidence found at the scene.
Defense Argues the Teen Wasn’t Properly Protected
Rosa’s attorneys maintain that their client did not knowingly give up his right to remain silent before speaking to police.
They also argue that, due to his age and emotional development, he lacked the maturity needed to understand the consequences of a police interrogation.
The judge, however, rejected the request to suppress the confession, allowing prosecutors to continue using the footage as part of their case.
Claims of Violence Obsession and Disturbing Behavior
Prosecutors allege that Rosa’s actions were fueled by an interest in violence.
According to court filings cited by local media, detectives found that the teen had searched online for questions such as where to stab someone and whether a knife could cut through bone on the day of the killing.
Investigators also claim Rosa took photos of his mother’s body after the attack and sent them to a friend.
He allegedly followed that up with a phone call to the same friend, during which he said he had killed her.
Chilling Images and a 911 Call
One image presented by prosecutors reportedly shows Rosa taking a selfie shortly after the incident, flashing a shaka hand gesture while his hand was still covered in blood.
Later that night, Rosa called 911 himself.
In the recorded call, he allegedly told the dispatcher that there was blood all over his hands.
When asked whether his mother was still breathing, he reportedly responded that she was dead and admitted to taking pictures and telling his friends, even asking if that was “bad.”
Arrest, Custody, and a Trial Date Ahead
Police arrested Rosa late on October 12, 2023.
During questioning, detectives say he appeared to confirm responsibility for the killing by nodding his head when directly asked if he had murdered his mother.
His trial is currently scheduled to begin on January 26, though several legal motions are still unresolved.
One pending request could delay proceedings while prosecutors wait for additional evidence.
What Comes Next for the Case
With the confession video allowed to stand and the trial date approaching, the focus now shifts to whether the defense can slow the process or challenge other key pieces of evidence.
The coming weeks are expected to be critical as the court decides whether the trial timeline holds or shifts again in a case that continues to shock both Florida and the wider public.
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