Disturbing image shows Derek Rosa standing over his mother's bed moments before stabbing her to death
HIALEAH, FLORIDA: 13-year-old Florida honors student Derek Rosa has been captured in disturbing babycam footage standing over his sleeping mother's bed just moments before he stabbed her to death.
The eerie black and white image, released by the Miami-Dade District Attorney's Office, reveals Rosa looming over his 39-year-old mother, Irina Garcia, on the night of October 12, with the timestamp indicating 11 pm. Rosa later called 911 to report the murder around 11.30 pm.
Photo shows Derek Rosa hovering over mother's bed before stabbing her
While the static image shows Rosa's right arm in motion, prosecutors have not yet provided detailed information about the alleged actions depicted in the photo. Another haunting image shows Garcia cradling her 14-day-old baby in bed at 10.23 pm, just an hour before her tragic demise.
After the stabbing, Rosa reportedly called 911 to confess to killing his mother while his newborn sister slept nearby. He admitted to stabbing Garcia in her sleep and contemplated suicide during the distressing call but expressed hesitance to take his own life.
Disturbingly, Rosa allegedly sent a selfie to a friend after the killing, with apparent blood smeared on his hands. Investigators also released distressing images of a pink-handled knife covered in blood.
What was Derek Rosa's motive behind the callous crime?
Rosa has been charged as an adult for the murder and has pleaded not guilty, with his legal team yet to declare any mental illness defense. The motive for the frenzied attack remains unclear. A recent hearing aimed to determine whether Rosa should remain in the adult jail or return to a juvenile facility, with his attorneys advocating for the latter. The judge has not yet decided on his placement.
Neighbors and family members expressed shock at Rosa's arrest, describing him as a happy and studious teenager with no apparent history of violence. His father, Jose Rosa, has called for a second chance for his son. "I guess what we're asking for is another opportunity — a second chance — to help him grow and become mature as a grown man to put this behind him," he pleaded.
