Unreleased images published in the last few hours show how the arrest of Derek Rosa took place, the teenager from Hialeah accused of fatally stabbing his mother, Irina García, on October 12, 2023.
The material -revealed exclusively by the network Univision- comes from the body camera of a Hialeah police officer and provides a complete visual account, from when the officers arrived at the crime scene after receiving the 911 call from Derek Rosa himself, to when the teenager was taken to the interrogation room.
The call to 911 and the arrival of the police
The video shows how, after receiving the alert, the officers rushed to the apartment complex where Derek lived with his mother, his newborn sister, and his stepfather.
Initially, the agents stop in front of the wrong apartments until they finally identify the teenager's residence.
Carrying long weapons and without being fully certain of the situation, the police proceed with extreme caution.
Once at the location, one of the officers runs back to his patrol car, drives it closer to the building, and after a few minutes, they bring out Derek Rosa handcuffed in the back of the vehicle.
Inside the patrol car, the officer can be heard asking for his name and other personal information.
For about two hours, Rosa remains handcuffed inside the police car. Despite her young age and the seriousness of the situation, the young person remains calm.
According to the video, "at times he looks uncomfortable because of the position of his arms behind him due to the handcuffs" and, at times, "he seems to doze off a little."
Subsequently, the patrol heads to the Hialeah police station. There, Derek continues to behave calmly.
During the journey, he can be seen gazing out the window, completely at ease.
Procedures at the police station
Upon arriving at the police station, the officer gets Rosa out of the patrol car and leads her through the parking lot to the building.
The images show him walking through the hallways until he reaches the detainee registration room.
Once inside a cell, the officer asks him if he has pockets and removes the cord from his pajamas as part of the standard anti-suicide procedure.
After securing the cell, the officer removes the handcuffs from Derek, leaves him inside, and walks away.
In the recording, Rosa is shown sitting with the same calm demeanor he has maintained since he got into the patrol car.
After a few minutes, the officer comes back in, puts the handcuffs on him again, and leads him to meet with a detective, who guides him to the interrogation room.
In total, almost three hours pass from the emergency call until Rosa begins to be formally interrogated.
The crime that shook Hialeah
Derek Rosa is accused of murdering his mother, Irina García, with a kitchen knife, delivering approximately 40 stab wounds, according to official documents.
The crime occurred inside the family apartment, while his newborn sister slept in another room.
The case has generated deep shock in South Florida, not only due to the brutality of the act but also because of the young age of the accused.
Since then, Derek has been incarcerated in the Metro West adult jail, facing a charge of first-degree murder.
An ongoing legal process
More than a year after the crime, the judicial process continues to move forward. Although there is still no definitive date for the trial, it is estimated that it could take place in June, provided no new delays arise.
Derek's defense has suggested that the defendant's mental health could be a crucial factor in the trial.
The prosecution, for its part, has not mentioned any other person as a suspect or of interest in the case.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Derek Rosa Case and the Murder of His Mother in Hialeah
How was Derek Rosa arrested after the murder of his mother in Hialeah?
Derek Rosa was arrested by Hialeah police after he called 911 to report the murder of his mother. The officers, after identifying the correct residence, found him and placed him in handcuffs in a patrol car. During the journey and upon arriving at the police station, he maintained a calm demeanor.
What is Derek Rosa's current legal situation?
Derek Rosa is being tried as an adult and faces first-degree murder charges. Despite his defense's arguments regarding his mental health, the judge has decided that he will remain in an adult jail until his trial, which is scheduled to take place between April and June.
What arguments has Derek Rosa's defense presented?
The defense of Derek Rosa has argued that his mental health is a crucial factor in the case, suggesting that the teenager may have autism and ADHD. They have requested his transfer to a juvenile detention center, but the judge has denied this request, keeping Rosa in an adult jail while preparations for the trial continue.
How has the community and Derek Rosa's family reacted to the case?
The community and family of Derek Rosa have provided constant support for him. They have raised over $140,000 for his legal defense and have sent letters to the judge requesting leniency and his transfer to a juvenile center, arguing that due to his young age and mental health conditions, he needs a more suitable environment.
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