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The family of Derek Rosa, a 14-year-old Cuban teenager accused of murdering his mother, Irina García, in Hialeah, Florida, has raised over $140,000 for his legal defense.
"We believe in Derek's innocence and we will continue to support him and his family until the very last minute," stated Univisión 23 Dalgys Reina Fonseca, one of the women who supports the young man and his family.
Derek had a hearing last Friday, February 7. During it, the defense of the young man reiterated the request for the images obtained from his mobile phone, which the prosecution maintains as key evidence in the case. The prosecution has indicated that a digital forensic expert has already analyzed this evidence.
The incident for which Derek Rosa is being tried occurred on October 12, 2023, when the then 13-year-old teenager killed his mother, Irina García, who was 39 years old, in their home in Hialeah, Florida.
According to police reports, Rosa stabbed her mother while she was sleeping, in the presence of her 14-day-old newborn sister. After the incident, the young man called 911 to report what had happened.
Since his arrest, Rosa has been tried as an adult and is facing first-degree murder charges.
Currently, he remains detained at the Metrowest Detention Center, an adult jail, despite his defense team's efforts to transfer him to a juvenile detention center, arguing that due to his age and diagnosis of autism and ADHD, he should receive more appropriate care.
The case has sparked an intense debate in the community, with divided opinions on Rosa's guilt and judicial treatment.
Some sectors advocate for a more in-depth assessment of mental health and personal circumstances, while others emphasize the seriousness of the crime committed.
It is expected that in the coming weeks, key hearings will take place that will determine the course of the judicial process.
In a hearing in January, Judge Richard Hersch focused the discussion on Rosa's conditions of confinement, including her access to psychological evaluations and educational progress.
The defense has expressed concern about the lack of proper education and psychological support that the adolescent is receiving in the adult prison.
Rosa's family has shown consistent support, attending the hearings and requesting clemency from the authorities. They have sent letters to the judge in an effort to reverse the decision that the teenager should remain in an adult jail, arguing that, due to his young age and mental health conditions, he should be transferred to a juvenile detention center.
Isabel Acosta, Derek's maternal grandmother, has declared that her "grandson is the best boy in the world". Another family member said, "This is not Derek. He is a good, affectionate, loving boy... No one knows Derek like we do, and this is not Derek."
The case is still unfolding, with upcoming hearings scheduled that could impact Derek Rosa's legal future. The community remains vigilant regarding judicial decisions and the well-being of the teenager throughout this process.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Derek Rosa Case and His Legal Defense
Who is Derek Rosa and what is he accused of?
Derek Rosa is a 14-year-old Cuban teenager accused of murdering his mother, Irina García, in Hialeah, Florida. He is accused of committing the murder on October 12, 2023, when he was 13 years old, by stabbing his mother while she was sleeping.
How much money has Derek Rosa's family raised for his legal defense?
Derek Rosa's family has raised over $140,000 to cover his legal defense. This fund aims to support his defense in the legal proceedings he faces for the murder of his mother.
Why is Derek Rosa being tried as an adult?
Despite his young age, Derek Rosa is being tried as an adult for first-degree murder. The decision to try him as an adult is due to the seriousness of the crime. His defense has attempted to transfer him to a juvenile detention center because of his age and mental health conditions, but so far without success.
What arguments does Derek Rosa's defense present?
Derek Rosa's defense argues that due to his diagnosis of autism and ADHD, he should receive judicial treatment suitable for his condition and age. Additionally, they have expressed concerns about the lack of psychological and educational support he receives in adult prison.
What has been the community's reaction to the case of Derek Rosa?
The case of Derek Rosa has generated a widespread debate in the community, with divided opinions regarding his guilt and the judicial treatment he should receive. While some advocate for a deeper evaluation of his mental health, others emphasize the seriousness of the crime he is accused of.
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