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“It's a child, not a killer.” With those words, Isabel Acosta defends her Cuban grandson Derek Rosa, accused of stabbing his mother, Irina García, to death while she was sleeping in her apartment in Hialeah in October 2023.
Almost two years after the crime that shocked the Cuban community in Miami, Isabel broke her silence in an exclusive interview with Telemundo 51, where she shared the pain of losing her daughter and not being able to embrace her grandson, who remains detained as an adult in the Metro West county jail, awaiting trial for first-degree murder.
"I am left without a daughter, without a granddaughter, and I am without my grandson... that little angel that I have never been able to see again," confessed the grandmother, who every day at eight in the evening waits for the 15 minutes of phone call she can share with Derek.
"That half hour I share with your dad is the only thing that keeps me going," she said.
The biological father of the minor, José Rosa, also participated in the conversation and expressed his heartache: “Not being able to hug my son... that really hurts. I want to have a future with him, to teach him, to support him, but not being able to touch him is heartbreaking.”
Isabel also reported that she never saw her other granddaughter again, the baby who witnessed the events and was taken away by the authorities that same night.
“They took her away from me on October 28… that was the last day I saw her,” he recalled with anguish.
In addition to her pain, there is indignation over the spread on social media of explicit images of Irina's lifeless body, as well as videos of Derek's arrest and interrogation.
“They don't think about the child behind bars and a mother who is no longer there... that pain has to be lived to be understood,” she expressed with frustration.
Isabel describes Irina as a devoted mother: “She was my clone. She lived for her son, and he adored her. The best was always for him and his dad too,” she stated.
Despite everything, she holds on to her faith. She talks to her daughter every day and asks her to watch over Derek from wherever she is.
"For him, I will carry on until the end," concluded Isabel, with the determination of a grandmother who still sees a child in her grandson, not the criminal described in the court files.
Just a few days ago, in a legal move that sparked reactions from the public, Derek Rosa's defense requested to exclude one of the strongest pieces of evidence from the trial: his own confession to the police.
The motion has been described by some as a legitimate attempt to ensure due process, while for others it represents an obstacle to uncovering the truth.
During a hearing held last Friday in the Miami-Dade criminal court, defense attorneys argued that the confession was obtained without Derek, who was only 13 years old at the time of the crime, fully understanding his constitutional rights.
They assert that "he did not understand the implications of speaking to the detectives without the presence of a lawyer," which constitutes a serious violation of his procedural rights.
According to documents submitted to the court, the defense argues that the minor was read an incorrect warning when explaining their rights, which is why they are requesting a formal hearing to discuss the legality of that interrogation.
Frequently Asked Questions about the case of Derek Rosa, the teenager accused of murder
Why is Derek Rosa being tried as an adult?
Derek Rosa, despite being only 14 years old, is being tried as an adult for first-degree murder. The severity of the crime and Florida laws allow minors to be tried as adults in cases of serious offenses. Since his arrest in 2023, Derek has remained in an adult jail, which has sparked a debate about whether he should be transferred to a juvenile detention center due to his age and mental health conditions.
What are Derek Rosa's main defense strategies?
The defense of Derek Rosa seeks to exclude his confession to the police and considers the possibility of an alternative suspect. The attorneys argue that the confession was obtained without Derek fully understanding his rights. Additionally, they have introduced an alternate theory of the crime, suggesting that Frank Ramos, Derek's stepfather, could be a potential suspect. The defense also emphasizes the importance of assessing Derek's mental health, as he has been diagnosed with autism and attention deficit disorder.
What impact has the Derek Rosa case had on the Hialeah community?
The case of Derek Rosa has profoundly shocked the community of Hialeah and South Florida. The brutal murder of Irina García, Derek's mother, has sparked intense public debate and mixed feelings. While some support the teenager and his family, others demand justice for the victim. Interest in the case has remained high, with significant media coverage and discussions about the legal and social implications of the trial.
What is the current status of Derek Rosa's trial?
Derek Rosa's trial is scheduled to begin on September 22, 2025. Jury selection is set for late June. So far, the case has gone through several hearings and motions, including defense requests to exclude certain evidence and introduce new evidence. The legal proceedings continue to be closely monitored by the community and the media.
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