New Video Shows Arrest of Hialeah Teen who Confessed to Stabbing Mother to Death

Shocking bodycam footage has been released showing the arrest of Derek Rosa, a then 13-year-old Hialeah teen who confessed to stabbing his mother more than 40 times in a brutal attack inside their apartment in October 2023. The video, obtained by NBC6, captures the intense moments as officers approached the apartment with guns drawn and commanded Rosa to surrender. In the video, Rosa steps out of the apartment with his hands up, complying as officers shout, “Get on the ground!” He is quickly taken down and handcuffed by police. The now 14-year-old has been charged with first-degree murder for the death of his mother, 39-year-old Irina Garcia.

A Chilling Confession and Scene

According to authorities, Rosa had called 911 shortly after the killing, calmly confessing that he had stabbed his mother with a kitchen knife while she was asleep. When officers entered the home, they discovered Garcia’s body in her bedroom next to a crib where her infant daughter—Rosa’s baby sister—was found unharmed. In the footage, Rosa informs police that “there’s a knife in my room” and that “there’s a baby.” Officers then verify the baby’s safety before one is seen carrying the infant out of the apartment, wrapped in a blanket. “Did you do anything to the baby?” one officer asks Rosa. “No, I did nothing to the baby,” he replies.

Family in Shock, Investigation Unfolds

Additional footage released shows Rosa in a white jumpsuit being placed into a Hialeah Police vehicle and transported first to jail and then to a hospital to be Baker Acted—a Florida law allowing for the temporary detention of individuals who may pose a danger to themselves or others due to mental illness. Detectives also interviewed Rosa’s grandmother that same night. Visibly heartbroken, she expressed disbelief at the situation. “I’ve never seen him with any mental problems or anything like that. He’s a normal kid, intelligent,” she said in Spanish. “I don’t know what happened… all I know is I don’t have a daughter anymore.” Investigators later revealed Rosa had sent photos of his mother’s body to a friend via social media and confessed the killing to the same friend over a phone call. He was an 8th-grade student at iMater Academy at the time of the incident.

Trial Approaching and Mental Health Defense Considered

Derek Rosa is being charged as an adult and is currently held without bond as he awaits trial. While no trial date has been officially confirmed, the judge in the case is aiming for proceedings to begin in June 2025. Rosa, who turns 15 in August, has pleaded not guilty and continues to maintain his innocence in court. During a recent hearing, Rosa’s defense attorneys discussed the possibility of raising mental health as a key component of their strategy. As the case continues to unfold, the disturbing nature of the crime has left a community—and a family—in shock.