Fla. teen allegedly fatally stabbed his mom in front of her newborn and sent pictures to friend
10/31/2023 12:04 pm PDT
HIALEAH, Fla. (TCD) -- A 13-year-old is being charged with murder after he allegedly stabbed and killed his mother while she slept near her 2-week-old child’s crib.
According to WPLG-TV, on Thursday, Oct. 12, at approximately 11:30 p.m., Hialeah Police officers responded to the Amelia Oaks apartment complex on West 79th Place regarding a death. A teen reportedly contacted police and said he "just murdered his mother," Irina Garcia.
In the 911 call released by WPLG, 13-year-old Derek Rosa asked the dispatcher to send police to his apartment, though he said he did not know his own address. The dispatcher asked, "I need to know if your mom is breathing."
Rosa replied, "She’s dead, miss," and later said, "There’s blood all over the floor."
Parts of the 911 call were redacted.
Rosa said he found a Beretta gun and was "gonna shoot myself, but I didn’t want to."
Rosa asked what to do if his mom woke up, and the dispatcher replied, "If she wakes up, just let me know. I need to know. Do you think we can help your mom?"
He said, "Miss, she’s dead."
Later in the call, Rosa admitted he "took pictures and I told my friend about it."
He said he doesn’t know his friend’s "real name because he’s an online friend who I play with a lot."
WPLG reports the call lasted 17 minutes. Police arrived while Rosa was on the phone, and Rosa can be heard screaming.
He asked if he should open the door and whether police "are gonna kill me."
Hialeah Police Lt. Eddie Rodriguez told WPLG Rosa allegedly waited for his mother to fall asleep, then stabbed her multiple times in the neck. She was reportedly found dead next to a crib where her 14-day-old daughter was sleeping. The newborn was unharmed.
Rodriguez said Rosa was "very apologetic" and "very respectful" during the 911 call.
NBC Miami reports Rosa is being charged as an adult for first-degree murder, to which he pleaded not guilty. He could face up to life in prison if he is convicted.
At his bond hearing, Rosa’s family urged for his release.
His father, Jose Rosa, told the judge, "It’s hard for us to explain how this occurred. It’s difficult, but I guess what we are asking for another opportunity, a second chance to help him grow — put this behind him and say we have your back — we are here to support you."
Video footage shared by WPLG shows his father saying, "It’s very unfortunate that this tragedy occurred. But this child is very humble, very peaceful, and no one could have imagined that this would ever happen."
The judge, however, denied bond.
MORE:
- 13-year-old boy fatally stabs mother in Hialeah, police say - WPLG
- Hialeah police release 911 call after they say 13-year-old fatally stabbed mother - WPLG
- 13-year-old who stabbed mother to death in Hialeah arraigned, pleads not guilty - NBC Miami
- 13-year-old from Hialeah charged as adult in mother's murder - WPLG
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