Attorneys for the Florida teen accused of fatally stabbing his mom as she slept next to his infant sister, then taking a post-murder selfie, are renewing their bid to get their underage client out of adult jail.
Derek Rosa, 13, was charged with first-degree murder in connection with the death of his mother, 39-year-old Irina Garcia, in October 2023, Miami-Dade County court records indicate.
Investigators allege Rosa stabbed his mom more than 40 times in the back at the family's Hialeah, Florida, home. She died next to her sleeping, 14-day old daughter, who was unharmed.
A motive remains unclear.
Rosa pleaded not guilty to the charge, despite allegedly confessing to police that he grabbed a kitchen knife and killed Garcia on that fateful day, WTVJ-TV reported, citing a cop's testimony during a hearing in December.
After taking a series of post-murder selfies, Rosa called 911.
Since then, he's remained held at the Metrowest Detention Center in Doral, Florida, where he has spent the majority of his time in solitary confinement. Citing court documents, WTVJ reports Rosa has only spent the equivalent of five days outside of his cell, with five hours dedicated to schooling.
Rosa – who was diagnosed with autism and ADHD – is not getting access to an adequate education, his attorneys are now arguing as their reason for petitioning for his move to a juvenile facility.
Before a decision is made, a judge is waiting on feedback from MWDC on their plans to address Rosa's educational needs.
Rosa was previously denied transfer to a juvenile facility in December.
