A 13-year-old Florida boy who allegedly confessed to fatally stabbing his mother over 40 times in October was ordered on Friday to remain in an adult detention center.
Derek Rosa — who is charged with first-degree murder — reportedly stabbed Irina Garcia, 39, at their Hialeah home as Garcia slept near her 14-day-old daughter, as CrimeOnline reported. WPLG reported that Rosa’s confession was played in court — which entailed him telling investigators how he woke up, got a kitchen knife, and repeatedly stabbed his mother.
Rosa was seeking to be moved from the Metro West Detention Center to a juvenile facility. Testimony in the hearing began on Thursday and continued Friday.
Hialeah Detective Joseph Elosegui testified that Rosa sent a friend two photos of of his mother and one selfie which apparently showed blood on his hands.
Corporal Cyrim Wimbs, a corrections officer at the adult detention center, testified Thursday that Rosa is “flourishing” while in protective custody. Officials told WTVJ that Rosa is the youngest of 34 juveniles in adult custody, with the others being 16 or 17.
Rosa reportedly called 911 after stabbing Garcia multiple times in the neck. The teen allegedly told a 911 dispatcher that he sent pictures of his dead mother to someone he met online. He went on to tell the dispatcher that there was blood all over the floor.
“I took pictures and I told my friend about it,” he allegedly said in the 911 call. “Was that bad?”
Dr. Gina Bettica testified that Rosa is autistic and has ADHD. She also claimed Rosa said he was suicidal after he was arrested.
A motive in Garcia’s murder remains undisclosed. Rosa — who is charged as an adult with first-degree murder — is scheduled to stand trial in February.
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[Featured image: Derek Rosa/Miami-Dade Corrections]
