13-Year-Old Florida Boy Accused of Stabbing Mother to Death to Be Tried as Adult

Derek Rosa allegedly stabbed his mother to death in her sleep, called the police to admit his crime, sent photos to a friend, and now faces life in prison if convicted in Miami-Dade County court.

13-year-old Derek Rosa has been charged as an adult with first-degree murder in Miami-Dade County court. He's accused of fatally stabbing his mother, Irina Garcia, while she was asleep.
On the night of his mother's death, Rosa allegedly called 911 to confess his crime. His voice remained calm during the call, and he also reported not touching his newborn half-sister, who was unharmed.
Rosa, described as a respectful middle-school honor student, allegedly sent photos of the crime scene to a friend, whom he only knew from online gaming. The police are still unsure about the motive of the crime.
Rosa's father and grandmother pleaded for his release on house arrest during a bond hearing, but the request was denied, leading to Rosa's remand to the Miami Dade Juvenile Detention Center.
Rosa faces life in prison if convicted, following a ruling by the U.S. Supreme Court that the death penalty is unconstitutional for juveniles. His lawyer plans to plead not guilty during his arraignment.