The channel Univision released new videos from the Hialeah Police regarding the murder of Irina García, the 39-year-old woman who was stabbed in her apartment on the night of October 12, 2023, in a crime allegedly committed by her son, Derek Rosa, who was only 13 years old at the time.
One of the videos captured the moment when Isabel Acosta, mother of Irina and grandmother of the accused minor, arrived at the crime scene, unaware of what had happened, accompanied by another of her grandchildren.
However, the most striking detail is a video—just over 13 minutes long—that features an interview conducted with Isabel by a detective from the Homicide Unit.
The sworn statement—given inside a vehicle—reveals the woman's increasing distress, as she still did not know that her daughter had died, although she already suspected it.
During the interrogation, Isabel appeared visibly nervous and confused, repeatedly asking about her grandson, but received no clear answers from the officer.
The statement
Isabel Acosta recounted that her son, Irán García, a truck driver by profession, had called her in alarm a little while earlier to ask her to go immediately to Irina's house.
According to what Iran explained, Frank Ramos, Irina's partner, was very worried because he had seen the police arrive and handcuff Derek through the Ring camera in the apartment.
The grandmother headed to the place accompanied by one of her grandchildren who lives with her. Upon arrival, she encountered a scene she didn't understand: many police officers and few answers.
“They don't tell me anything”, she complained, visibly upset. She pointed out that an officer was holding the little girl, Ashley, who had been born on September 29, only 14 days earlier.
Regarding the relationship between Irina and Frank Ramos, Derek's grandmother explained that they had been together for about three to four years, although they were not married.
In response to several questions from the detective, Isabel described her grandson Derek as "a calm child," and assured that he had never had any mental or medical issues.
"That child is an angel," she stated emphatically.
“I have never seen him with any mental problems or anything like that. He is a normal, very intelligent child,” she added.
He also denied that Derek had a history of depression or conflicts with his mother.
"No, daughter, no, because that boy respects her. She is a very proper person. Her father is the same," he said, referring to the boy's father, whom he specified was a police officer.
“He is a calm little boy. Derek is a passive child. Just like his dad. He is exactly like his father. They are souls of God,” she insisted, as her impatience grew to know what had happened.
About the relationship between Derek and his little sister Ashley, he said: “he was happy with his little sister.”
The grandmother also noted that the night before, specifically on October 11, she had been at the house to visit the baby and Derek.
“I stayed a few days with her [Irina] after she had the cesarean. I was there, I helped her somewhat, but then I went back home,” he noted.
"Everything went well last night. Everything was perfect.", he affirmed.
Isabel recounted that upon receiving a call from her son around 11:47 p.m. on October 12, she tried to reach out to Irina, but she did not answer.
That information was verified by the detective through the analysis of the cell phone call records.
In the final part of the interview, the detective asked him why he thought Frank Ramos did not call her directly to alert her that something serious was happening at the house, and why he used his son Irán as an intermediary.
"I don't know," the woman replied, visibly upset.
Shortly after, emotionally broken, she asked again: “What happened to my daughter, huh? [...] Oh my God, I think it’s that I no longer have a daughter. She’s not alive,” she said, which led the officer to conclude the interrogation.
The trial of Derek Rosa, accused of stabbing his mother more than 40 times on the night of October 12, 2023, still does not have a scheduled start date.
Since the tragedy occurred, Isabel Acosta has pleaded for mercy for her grandson and has defended him before the authorities and the press.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Derek Rosa Case and the Murder of Irina García
Who is Derek Rosa and what is he accused of?
Derek Rosa is a 14-year-old Cuban-American teenager accused of murdering his mother, Irina García, in October 2023. The crime took place in Hialeah, Florida, when Derek was 13 years old. He is accused of stabbing her multiple times while she slept, although his defense argues that there may be another suspect involved.
How did Derek Rosa's grandmother react to the crime?
Isabel Acosta, grandmother of Derek Rosa and mother of Irina García, appeared visibly distressed and confused upon learning of the crime. She defended her grandson, describing him as a "calm child" and "an angel," with no history of mental issues. During the police interview, she voiced her disbelief at the situation and the lack of clear answers regarding what had happened.
What role does Frank Ramos play in the investigation of Irina García's murder?
Frank Ramos, Derek's stepfather and Irina's partner at the time of the murder, has been identified by Derek's defense as a possible alternative suspect. The defense questions how Ramos knew specific details of the crime if he was not present and has requested an investigation into his social media messages. However, the prosecution maintains that Ramos was in Georgia during the incident, according to employment records.
Why is Derek Rosa being tried as an adult?
Derek Rosa is being tried as an adult due to the severity of the crime he is accused of committing, first-degree murder. Despite his young age, laws in Florida allow minors to be tried as adults in cases of serious offenses. The defense has attempted to move him to a juvenile detention center, but the judge has denied this request.
What do we know about Derek Rosa's mental health?
The defense of Derek Rosa has suggested that his mental health could be a crucial factor in the trial. They have requested psychological evaluations to determine his mental state and possibly use it as a legal argument. Derek's family claims that he had no history of mental health issues, although the case has sparked intense debate regarding his legal treatment and the personal circumstances of the adolescent.
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