A 14-year-old Florida boy who allegedly killed his mother in 2023 will appear in court on Thursday.
WSVN reported that Derek Rosa’s court hearing for Monday was postponed. Despite this, a group of mothers held a protest on Monday outside the Metro Justice building in Miami where Rosa was scheduled to appear.
“Free Derek,” the women yelled.
In October 2023, Rosa reportedly stabbed Irina Garcia more than 40 times as she slept near her newborn daughter, who was unharmed. The teen allegedly told investigators how he woke up, got a kitchen knife, and repeatedly stabbed his mother.
READ: Knife Breaks as 13-Year-Old Derek Rosa Stabs Sleeping Mom Over 40 Times
Despite allegedly admitting to killing his mother, Rosa’s supporters claimed he was not responsible for the slaying.
“We want the real person who commit this passion crime to be charged fully. Derek Rosa did not do it. He’s a child,” protestor Ariana Reyes told WSVN.
Rosa is charged as an adult for the slaying which occurred when he was 13. Though a motive remains unclear, WTVJ reported that Rosa said he killed his mother after searching online for the best place to stab a person and the best knife for cutting bone.
After killing his mother, Rosa allegedly sent a friend two photos of his mother and a selfie which apparently showed blood on his hands.
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?”
Meanwhile, an online fundraiser to cover Rosa’s legal expenses has garnered nearly $150,000.
For the latest true crime and justice news, subscribe to the ‘Crime Stories with Nancy Grace’ podcast.
[Feature Photo: Derek Rosa/Miami-Dade Corrections]
