15-Year-Old Derek Rosa Pleads Guilty to Second-Degree Murder of Mother, Sentenced to 25 Years

Plea and Sentencing

• 15-year-old Derek Rosa pleaded guilty to second-degree murder just days before his trial was set to begin.
• He was sentenced to 25 years in Florida State Prison, with credit for time served since October 12, 2023.
• Following his prison sentence, Rosa will serve 20 years of probation, with the first 10 years being supervised reporting probation.

Court Proceedings and Plea Details

• The hearing took place in Miami Dade County, with Judge Jonathan Morris presiding.
• Rosa confirmed he understood his rights, including the right to a trial, jury, and the right to confront witnesses.
• He affirmed that he was not under the influence of alcohol or drugs and understood the plea agreement.
• The plea was to second-degree murder, a reduction from the original indictment of first-degree murder.

Factual Basis for the Plea

• The state presented a factual basis, stating that on October 12, 2023, Arena Garcia was found deceased with multiple stab wounds.
• The medical examiner determined the cause of death to be multiple stab wounds, classifying it as homicide.
• Derek Rosa contacted 911 to report the killing and admitted to stabbing his mother.
• Evidence included searches on his cell phone researching how to kill someone and the location of the corateed artery.
• Rosa also admitted to killing his mother to a friend (CG) and sent photos of the body via Discord.
• DNA evidence on the knife handle matched Rosa's profile.

Victim's Father and Stepfather Statements

• A letter from the victim's father, Francisco Garcia Acasta, living in Cuba, was read into the record, expressing his grief and trust in the justice system.
• Derek's stepfather, Frank Ramos, addressed Derek directly, calling him like a son and acknowledging the family's devastation.
• Ramos stated that nothing justifies Derek's actions but believes he should face the legal consequences.
• A no-contact order was issued for Frank Ramos and his infant daughter, A.R.

Judge's Sentencing and Observations

• The judge adjudicated Derek Rosa guilty of second-degree murder and imposed the agreed-upon sentence.
• A special condition of probation includes a psychological evaluation and potential mental health treatment, including residential treatment up to six months.
• The judge noted the high level of public interest in the case and commended the excellent advocacy of both legal teams.
• The court also recommended that Derek be placed in a youthful offender facility.