Defense Attorney Jose Baez Withdraws from Hialeah Teen’s Murder Case

HIALEAH, Fla. — Criminal defense attorney Jose Baez has withdrawn from the trial of a Hialeah teenager accused of fatally stabbing his mother. The specific reasons for Baez’s withdrawal have not been publicly disclosed, according to sources close to the case.

The teenager, identified as Derek Rosa, was 13 years old at the time of the incident. He faces charges of first-degree murder after allegedly stabbing his mother, Irina Garcia, 46 times while she slept in her bedroom on the night of Oct. 12, 2023. The trial is set to begin on Jan. 26, with attorneys Dayliset Rielo and Michelle Media now representing Rosa.

In a social media post, Baez, known for representing high-profile clients such as Casey Anthony, stated that his firm would continue to serve as counsel of record for Rosa. “No one is abandoning Derek!” he wrote, emphasizing his commitment to defending the teen.

Baez mentioned the complexities of the case, saying that the judge is making demands on the defense that are “quite frankly impossible to comply with.” He noted that his firm has invested significant resources into Rosa’s defense, amounting to over seven figures.

Rielo also expressed her commitment to Rosa, stating, “I will continue to fearlessly, ethically, and empathetically represent Derek.” She shared screenshots of messages from Rosa’s father, Jose, and grandmother, Isabel Acosta, thanking her for her support, though NBC6 has not verified their authenticity.

The case against Rosa has been described as an “injustice” by his defense team. Meanwhile, prosecutors plan to introduce evidence intended to illustrate Rosa’s mindset and possible motive leading up to the murder. Recent court filings suggest that Rosa may have been influenced by violent media, including the horror movie “Friday the 13th.”

Prosecutors claim that Rosa expressed a desire to emulate Jason Voorhees from the film, even discussing Halloween costume ideas with friends. They allege that the murder took place just before midnight on Friday the 13th, further supporting their claim of a morbid fascination with violence.

Additionally, Rosa reportedly shared a graphic video of a suicide with friends shortly before the incident, laughing at the footage and describing it as “funny.” Prosecutors argue that these behaviors suggest a disturbing fascination with blood and death.

Rosa has pleaded not guilty, and his defense team has hinted that his stepfather, Frank Ramos, could be a potential alternative suspect. However, prosecutors contend that Ramos was in Georgia when the murder occurred.

A hearing regarding the pending motions in the case is set for later this month.