A court hearing was held on Friday regarding whether a 13-year-old Florida boy who allegedly killed his mother last year will be held in a juvenile detention center
WTVJ reported that 50 people attended the hearing in support of Derek Rosa, who was not in court. While prosecutors revealed they were ready for trial, the judge said the defense could argue for more time.
READ: Knife Breaks as 13-Year-Old Derek Rosa Stabs Sleeping Mom Over 40 Times
Rosa, who is charged as an adult, is being held at the Metro West Detention Center. During Friday’ hearing, his attorneys sought, once again, to have him moved to a juvenile detention facility for the time being. They claimed Rosa’s rights are being violated as he spends 80 percent of his day confined to a cell, according to WTVJ.
Rosa is accused of fatally stabbing his mother more than 40 times as she slept near her newborn daughter in their Hialeah home. The teen allegedly told investigators how he woke up, got a kitchen knife, and repeatedly stabbed his mother.
After killing his mother, Rosa allegedly sent a friend two photos of his mother and a selfie which apparently showed blood on his hands.
The teen allegedly told a 911 dispatcher that he sent pictures of his dead mother to someone he met online. He went on to tell the dispatcher that there was blood all over the floor.
“I took pictures and I told my friend about it,” he allegedly said in the 911 call. “Was that bad?”
WTVJ reported that the trial is expected to last six to eight weeks.
For the latest true crime and justice news, subscribe to the ‘Crime Stories with Nancy Grace’ podcast.
[Feature Photo: Miami-Dade Prosecutor’s Office]
