In a Florida courtroom on Thursday, Derek Rosa, a 13-year-old honors student, appeared before a judge to address the charges against him for the alleged murder of his mother. The court session saw an overwhelming show of support for Rosa, as dozens of individuals, including his father and maternal grandmother, gathered to demand that he be treated as a child.

During the hearing, the judge ordered an unredacted version of Rosa's alleged confession, which was made in a 911 call, to be handed over to the defense. Additionally, the Metro West Detention Center, where Rosa is currently being held as an adult, was required to provide biweekly updates on his school and recreation activities.

Rosa stands accused of stabbing his mother, Irina Garcia, 39, to death on October 12. According to reports, he admitted to the crime during the distressing 911 call, in which he revealed that he had stabbed her over 40 times and slashed her neck. Footage from Rosa's arrest on the same day shows him surrendering to authorities with his hands raised.

The presence of supporters was striking throughout the court proceedings. Mothers and grandmothers adorned themselves with specially-made t-shirts stating, "he is not an adult, he is a boy," "justice for Derek," and "we are all Derek." Their message emphasized the importance of treating Rosa as a child, without explicitly commenting on his guilt or innocence.

Rosa's supporters expressed their desire for him to receive essential educational and therapeutic support during his incarceration. "For us, it's very important he goes to class, goes to therapy, and goes to the patio. It's really important for a 13-year-old. That's all that matters. And we are here to fight for his rights," said Gladimar Lizcano, one of the supporters.

Despite his age, Rosa is being tried as an adult and has pleaded not guilty to the charges. His attorneys are currently seeking to have him transferred to a juvenile detention center while awaiting trial. A Change.org petition titled "Save Derek Rosa" has gained traction, with supporters advocating for his innocence and calling for justice.

During an earlier pre-trial hearing in December, prosecutors played a recording of Rosa speaking to a detective immediately after the stabbing, where he confessed to the act, saying, "I woke up, I grabbed one of the kitchen knives and I went to her room... I killed her." These chilling details prompted Miami Dade Circuit Judge Richard Hersch to order Rosa's detention in an adult jail until his trial, now scheduled for February 26.

The case against Rosa intensified when prosecutors shared disturbing babycam footage that showed him standing over his sleeping mother's bed just moments before the alleged attack. The footage, taken at 11 pm, was accompanied by another photo captured at 10:23 pm, showing Garcia cradling her 14-day-old baby. The investigation suggests that Garcia was asleep when the onslaught began.

Arriving at the crime scene, officers discovered a grisly sight. Garcia lay lifeless on the floor, her body bearing numerous stab wounds, including a severe slashed artery on her neck. Tragically, her two-week-old baby remained in her crib nearby. Furthermore, Rosa is accused of sending a selfie to a friend after the brutal act, showing him with blood on his hands, while smiling and sticking his tongue out.

Rosa's family expressed shock over the alleged murder, describing him as a "good kid," stating that no one could have anticipated such a tragic event. As of now, his attorneys have not cited any mental health issues that may have contributed to Rosa's state of mind during the incident.

The court hearing showcased the widespread support for Derek Rosa, who stands accused of a heinous crime at just 13 years old. As the legal proceedings continue, his case raises profound questions about the treatment and rehabilitation of young offenders in the criminal justice system.