Charles EstherIn a chilling and deeply unsettling case that has gripped Florida and sparked nationwide debate, 13-year-old Derek Rosa was captured on bodycam footage calmly surrendering to police officers after allegedly stabbing his mother to death with a kitchen knife.
The incident took place in October 2023 at their family home in Hialeah, a suburb of Miami.
Calm Confession on Camera
Recently released body-worn camera footage from the arrest shows Rosa opening the door for police and calmly saying, “She’s dead, miss.
There’s blood all over the floor.”
He was reportedly the one who dialed 911 after the alleged attack.
Police entered the home and discovered the lifeless body of his 39-year-old mother, Daisy Rosa, in her bedroom.
Meanwhile, Rosa’s baby sister was found unharmed, still asleep in the same house.
Teen Faces Adult Charges
Derek Rosa is currently being tried as an adult and is facing a charge of first-degree murder.
He has pleaded not guilty.
Florida law allows for minors to be charged as adults in serious crimes, and this decision has intensified public scrutiny around juvenile justice reform.
Legal Team May Pursue Mental Health Defense
Rosa’s defense attorneys have indicated they may explore a mental health defense during trial.
Though few official details about Rosa’s mental state or motive have been released, the legal team may argue diminished responsibility due to psychological factors.
The court has not yet ruled on whether mental evaluations will be admitted into evidence.
Supporters Rally Behind the Teen
Despite the shocking nature of the crime, Derek Rosa has garnered support from portions of the community who argue that he is still a child and may be a victim of deeper psychological or familial issues.
Some have rallied for a fairer and more compassionate approach, citing his age and potential mental health challenges.
Others, however, feel strongly that the severity of the act warrants adult prosecution.
Community Reaction and National Spotlight
The incident has drawn national media attention, not only due to its horrifying details but also because it raises broader questions about how the justice system should handle serious crimes committed by minors.
The quiet surrender, the age of the accused, and the brutal nature of the crime all contribute to a growing conversation about accountability, trauma, and juvenile justice.
What Comes Next
The legal proceedings are ongoing, and no trial date has been officially set.
Rosa remains in custody as the case continues to unfold.
If convicted, he could face life in prison.
The situation continues to divide opinions in Florida and beyond—between calls for justice and pleas for understanding.
