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Derek Rosa, the Cuban-American teenager who fatally stabbed his mother in Hialeah on October 12, 2023, appeared in court via the Internet, through Zoom.
According to América TeVe, Judge Richard Hersch focused the hearing on determining Rosa's confinement conditions: the time he spends outdoors, whether academic tests are administered to him, and his overall educational progress.
He also asked if the minor under 14 is receiving psychological evaluation, a crucial aspect of the case, as the defense attorneys maintain his innocence and claim that he is a child with autism.
The magistrate announced that the next hearing will be on February 28.
He also noted that his aim is for the trial to begin between April and June. The boy will be tried as an adult and will face a first-degree murder charge.
In September, Rosa appeared in court virtually as well. Her father and grandmother, who were present in the courtroom, were visibly moved upon seeing him due to his physical transformation.
Judge Richard Hersch has repeatedly denied the defense's request for him to be transferred from the Metrowest adult jail to a juvenile detention center.
On the night of October 12, 2023, the boy (then 13 years old) stabbed his mother, Irina García, 39, around 46 times while she was sleeping. He did this in front of the crib where his little sister, a baby only 14 days old, was sleeping.
He then called 911 and provided details of what had happened inside the apartment, located at 211 West and 79 Place in Hialeah.
At several points during the call, the operator asked him why he killed his mother, but he did not respond. After the crime, Derek Rosa took pictures of his mother's body and sent them to a friend, to whom he confessed what he had done.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Derek Rosa Case and His Legal Situation
Who is Derek Rosa and what is he being accused of?
Derek Rosa is a Cuban teenager accused of stabbing his mother to death in Hialeah on October 12, 2023. The case has generated significant interest due to the circumstances and his young age.
Why is Derek Rosa being tried as an adult?
Although Derek Rosa was only 13 years old at the time of the crime, the prosecution filed a charge of first-degree murder in an adult court, arguing the severity of the offense. So far, he is expected to be tried as an adult for first-degree homicide.
What arguments does Derek Rosa's defense present?
The defense for Derek Rosa claims that the minor suffers from autism and ADHD, and that he has not received appropriate education in the adult detention center. The defense attorneys argue that Derek is innocent and that the judicial system should consider transferring him to a juvenile detention center.
What is the current status of Derek Rosa's trial?
The judge Richard Hersch has expressed his desire for the trial to start as soon as possible, with December 2nd as the tentative date for the beginning of the trial. The next hearing is scheduled for February 28th.
How has the community reacted to the case of Derek Rosa?
The case has generated significant interest both within and outside the United States, with a movement of mothers calling for an investigation into other alleged parties involved and asserting that the teenager is innocent. Several people have expressed their support for Derek Rosa, stating that he is innocent until proven guilty.
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