During the last eight months of . On May 24, 2013, Gabriel Fernandez, an eight-year-old boy from Palmdale, California, who had been abused and tortured over a period of months, was murdered by his mother, Pearl Sinthia Fernandez, and her boyfriend, Isauro Aguirre, from whom he had received a beating two days earlier. Gabriel Fernandez: Is Gabriel Fernandezs killer still alive? Support Center Find answers to questions about products, access, use, setup, and administration. Sick mum Pearl Fernandez and her partner Isauro Aguirre beat Gabriel with a belt and burned him with cigarettes, sometimes in front of his siblings. For the first four years of his life, Gabriel lived with his great-uncle Michael Lemos Carranza and his partner David Martinez after Pearl gave the child away. "When her and Tony would fight, she was the abusive one to him.". The power for change, Hatami says, is reflected in a growing memorial. Something went wrong, please try again later. Early in his legal proceedings, Isauro was secretly recorded in jail talking to a clergyman and the tape was leaked to the press. Later, ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) deported his partner David to El Salvador. Meanwhile, his siblings described watching their brother being forced to eat cat litter and have cold baths while being pepper sprayed. In November 2017, Isauro was found guilty of murder with an additional special circumstance of intentional murder by torture. For him, it's personal. Heartwarming footage in the documentary showcases pictures of Michael, David and Gabriel playing together and celebrating Christmas. How safe is your neighborhood? This means that we may include adverts from us and third parties based on our knowledge of you. "Something brings it back in. He didnt look like a child," she says. Fernandez left the hospital the day her youngest son was born, The Cinemaholic reveals. "I think you not only have a moral and ethical obligation to save that child, I think you have a legal obligation to save that child. But the question remains whether it was just one of the thugs driving the abuse, or if they were both equally culpable. But his grandparents, Robert and Sandra Fernandez, say they always had custody of Gabriel and eventually took him in themselves. "They had the upper hand, I honestly believe to remove him and save him. They would take him everywhere, he would always be clean and happy. "I think you not only have a moral and ethical obligation to save that child, I think you have a legal obligation to save that child. The series originally had included the Contreras family, but to allow more time for healing, Contreras requested that their part be taken out. But Gov. His memory has generated positive steps to save children. Contreras received support he never imagined. "What they did is almost as bad as what Pearl and Isauro did," he said. Pearl Fernandez gave birth to Gabriel on February 21 2005, but within days had given him up to her uncle, Michael Lemos Carranza, and his partner, David Martinez. All Rights Reserved. "I would show everybody that picture of Gabriel in the hospital. 679215 Registered office: 1 London Bridge Street, London, SE1 9GF. In interviews with Netflix he recalls times spent with Michael and Gabriel, and says he feels both are with him in spirit. The horrifying murder was detailed in Netflix documentary The Trials of Gabriel Fernandez. Children are still getting tortured and this is after Gabriel," Hatami said. He and his wife adopted Gabriel's siblings, the walking wounded. She also recalls seeing "cigarette marks like people had been putting cigarettes out on him". According to Jennifer Garcia, Gabriel showed up to class with signs that something terrible had happened at home, and it didn't take long for him to explain. View our online Press Pack. Is Every Duggar Ridiculously Messy? Before his death, Gabriel Fernandez didnt always live with his mother his uncles Michael Lemos Carranza and David Martinez were also a big part of his life. Are Janelle, Christine and Meri Suing Kody Over Money From Coyote Pass? When emergency services were called to his home in May 2013, he was found with a fractured skull, broken ribs and BB gun bullets in his skin, to name a few of his horrific injuries. PALMDALE, Calif. (KABC) -- This weekend marks seven years since parental child abuse took the life of 8-year-old Gabriel Fernandez. Gabriel Fernandez, eight, died in Los Angeles at the hand of his mother and stepdad after social workers allegedly failed to act Gabriel's two siblings were adopted by their uncle, Chris Contreras and his wife. We were not that type of parents. And if you don't, I think the public then should have the right to hold you criminally responsible," Hatami said. Children are still getting tortured and this is after Gabriel," Hatami said. The power for change, Hatami says, is reflected in a growing memorial. Following Gabriels death, his great Uncle Michael criticised the Los Angeles Child Protection Services and led a memorial mass at a Los Angeles church for Gabriel. Gabriel Fernandez was only 8 years old when he was brutally murdered by his mother Pearl and her boyfriend, Isauro Aguirre.And as detailed in Netflix's documentary "The Trials of Gabriel . I feel like they are here with me too.". Just three days after he was born, Gabriel Fernandez was . "What they did is almost as bad as what Pearl and Isauro did," added Contreras. In Pearl's custody, someone called to report that they thought Gabriel was molested by his uncle, but no one has confirmed this allegation. "As far as Canada, they come. Gabriel's memory in the household is so painful, they avoid it. David currently resides in San Salvador, where he was interviewed for the docuseries. According to Pearl's great-aunt Elizabeth Carranza, both men loved Gabriel very much. Join half a million readers enjoying Newsweek's free newsletters, David Martinez in "The Trials of Gabriel Fernandez", Everyone Practices Cancel Culture | Opinion, Deplatforming Free Speech is Dangerous | Opinion. Gabriel's teacher Jennifer Garcia reported signs of abuse to Rodriguez, according to court records. RELATED: Slain SoCal boy pepper-sprayed in face, forced to eat cat feces, brother testifies. We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you. The Trials of Gabriel Fernandez is streaming now on Netflix. He saw how it opened minds and hearts. Netflix's The Trial of Gabriel Fernandez has horrified viewers with the cruelty inflicted on the eight-year-old by his mother and her boyfriend. Paramedics had been called out to his house in Los Angeles by his mother Pearl, who claimed over the phone that he had slipped in the bathroom and hit his head. Contreras says Aguirre deserves no mercy, and he says evidence backs him up. But California's governor, citing his personal sense of morality, suspended all executions for as long as he's in office. Yet the charges against the group never made it to trial after the 2nd District Court of Appeal advised the lower court dismiss the charges. This weekend marks seven years since parental child abuse took the life of 8-year-old Gabriel Fernandez. Water gushes for days with no one stopping it, Couple had 'no respect' dumping close to a church, ABC13 viewer says. "They need somebody else to do it, but especially during this time. But she claims that not only did the LAPD not believe the horrific things Gabriel said were happening to him, they told him to stop lying. But they didn't," said Carranza. Contreras says Aguirre deserves no mercy, and he says evidence backs him up. One way or another," Contreras said. The Netflix documentary, "The Trials of Gabriel Fernandez", they watched it together. Because no matter how many times I saw Gabriel smile, when I think of Gabriel now, I picture him in that hospital bed, not waking up.". "They can't fight for themselves, they can't speak out for themselves," said Deputy District Attorney Jon Hatami. To see all content on The Sun, please use the Site Map. He was declared brain dead and taken off life support two days later. I will love him until I die.". Ezekiel was 12 and Virginia was 10 when their brother died, and are still haunted by the abuse they were forced to witness in the Palmdale, California residence. He'd said he was going to take Gabriel to a barbecue, but they later found out he'd lied. Every question put his way was handled with a blend of authority and empathy. They testified about the bat, the BB guns, the box where Gabriel was confined, accusations that he was gay. "Something brings it back in. In the documentary, Gabriel's move at the age of four was because his grandfather Robert Fernandez did not agree with a same-sex couple raising a child. Gavin Newsom, citing his personal sense of morality, suspended all executions for as long as he's in office. RELATED: Palmdale abuse case: Mother of slain 8-year-old Gabriel Fernandez pleads guilty, Jupiter and Venus appear to 'kiss' in the sky, FL Gov. David maintains that this allegation is false, as did some members of Gabriel's family. During the trial, Isauro's defence team played his call to 911 when Gabriel stopped breathing. His cause of death is not known. "They can't fight for themselves, they can't speak out for themselves. A position rejected by Hatami. "I think you not only have a moral and ethical obligation to save that child, I think you have a legal obligation to save that child. All rights reserved. Ligature marks on his ankles like hed been tied up. And in January this year, a motion to rehear the appeals court decision was denied and the criminal case against these four is not progressing further. During the trial of Isauro Aguirre, Robert testified that that one day his daughter took Gabriel and refused to bring him back. But when they arrived, Isauro wasn't performing CPR. He takes aim at the Department of Children and Family Services. ", Love Island fans' horror as axed Olivia handed power to destroy TWO other stars, Frogmore eviction shows King's drawn a line with Harry, Strictly star bags life-changing EastEnders role as part of new family, Baby's body found after huge search as cops quiz Constance Marten & lover, News Group Newspapers Limited in England No. The documentary alleged the couple looked after Gabriel until one day when they said Gabriel had been kidnapped by Isauro. They need somebody else to do it, but especially during this time. In Spanish, he can be heard saying: "They want me to plead guilty to something I haven't done. One way or another," Contreras said. R.I.P MICHAEL LEMOS CARRANZA.. The Trials of Gabriel Fernandez is a full brown reveal of the life and death of an eight. Robert keeps on saying, 'ah, because he says that he loves you guys, you two fa*****'". Gabriel was first given to his great uncles, Michael Lemos Carranza and his partner David Martinez, where he spent around four years. Contreras received support he never imagined. They closed their eyes and didnt see nothing?," he said. "I know that those that have heard or seen his story. A fractured skull, broken ribs and BB pellets in his skin. 2020 THE SUN, US, INC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED | TERMS OF USE | PRIVACY | YOUR AD CHOICES | SITEMAP, Gabriel Fernandez, eight, died in Los Angeles at the hand of his mother and stepdad after social workers allegedly failed to act, Photos showed burns and bruising to Gabriel's mouth in hospital, Pearl Fernandez and Aguirre showed little emotion in court, Netflix's The Trials of Gabriel Fernandez explores tragic reason behind his death, Gabriel Fernandezs uncle reveals how hes still traumatized by boys torture death seven years on, Madison Bell 'chose to disappear to start a new life' as shes found with a person of interest, Coronavirus patients stop being infectious after 11 days even if they still test positive, study finds, Dad charged after severely abused daughter, 7, is found dead in garage, Your second coronavirus stimulus check could have stricter conditions about how to spend $4,000, Trapeze artist, 29, trapped in Spain during lockdown dies after falling and hitting her head during practice, Boris Johnson must get us out of lockdown fast and ram home the dire effects of refusing to do so, Youll only get your coronavirus stimulus money by debit card or check in the mail as IRS stops direct deposits, Husband of train worker who died from coronavirus after thug spat at her says his 'family's lives have been destroyed', This freak 10-week Bank Holiday must end for our economy to resume, he was often locked in a cabinet - nicknamed "the box". Those who knew Gabriel best talked to ABC7 about the boy. We convinced her to have Gabriel and for her to give [the baby] to us so we [could] raise it., The couple raised the little boy until he was 4 years old. Four had been charged but the appeals court dismissed the case ruling that the workers did not have a legal responsibility to care for a child the way a parent did. The prosecutor's crusade to protect children was ignited at the Palmdale complex where Gabriel lived. However, before he turned 4, the little boy began living with his grandparents Robert and Sandra Fernandez. "We have added thousands of case workers, which have increased the capability of us to be able to work very closely with families," said Bobby Cagle, director of the Los Angeles County Department of Children and Family Services. Sadly, just 16 months after Gabriels death, 46-year-old Michael Lemos Carranza died on September 17, 2014. For other inquiries, Contact Us. Elizabeth Carranza, Gabriel's. [FACT CHECK]Gabriel Fernandez: Why did the 4 social workers' case not go to trial? Though he was afraid to return to the country after 38 years away, he feels that Fernandez and Carranza are with him in spirit. It's all those emotions are there. "Unfortunately, I think this is something that's gonna affect them the rest of their lives. Netflixs documentary The Trials of Gabriel Fernandez explained to true crime viewers that Carranza was the one raising Fernandez from birth. Mourners have had questions. We convinced her to have Gabriel and for her to give [the baby] to us so we [could] raise it.. Following this, Martinez was deported by Immigrations and Customs Enforcement (ICE) back to his native El Salvador. We convinced herto give him to uswe picked Gabriel up from the hospital when he was three days old. Why are you guys saying that?' His memory has generated positive steps to save children. The social workers were there. "We have added thousands of case workers, which have increased the capability of us to be able to work very closely with families," said Bobby Cagle, director of the Los Angeles County Department of Children and Family Services. "Unfortunately, I think this is something that's going to affect them the rest of their lives. Lots of different people unwittingly played a part in allowing one of the worst cases of child torture in American history to unfold. Seven years later, his story has traveled worldwide. Pearl Fernandez gave . Children are still getting murdered. "Unfortunately, I think this is something that's gonna affect them the rest of their lives. Email us at [email protected] or call 212 416 4552. Copyright 2023 KABC Television, LLC. "It's. Isauro is currently on death row at San Quentin Prison and Pearl is incarcerated at Chowchilla Womens Prison, both in California. The Trials of Gabriel Fernandez: The Tragic Story of Gabriel's Uncle Michael, objected to him being cared for by two gay men. When Gabriel was born, drug addict Pearl gave him away to be raised by others saying she didn't love him. Cagle was not available to answer follow up questions about two more recent DCFS death cases, also in Antelope Valley: Anthony Avalos and Noah Cuatro. Michael had raised and cared for Gabriel in the early years of his life, alongside his partner David Martinez. To this day, Contreras says Gabriel's siblings don't let themselves have fun, no matter how much he tries. "There were rumours that he [Gabriel] was gay, and it's like, 'no, my baby's not gay. It was her uncle, Michael Lemos Carranza, and his partner, David Martinez, who took care of Gabriel Fernandez during the first year of his life. Carranza slammed social services for their failings in a rally held days after Gabriel died. Carranza's death meant he never saw justice for the little boy he loved so much. But why would he deny the crime knowing it could lead to him being given a lethal injection? By clicking Sign Up, you agree to our Terms and Conditions and that you have read our Privacy Policy. Michael Lemos Carranza was Gabriel Fernandez's Great Uncle, Gabriel Fernandez was raised by his great uncle and his partner. But two people - his great uncle and his partner - did care for him. But Gov. Unfortunately, they were his last eight months. I confront him, and say 'why did you say that, you didn't want him to be born, you didn't want him when he was born, nobody in the family wanted him.'". In 2012 he moved back in with Pearl and Aguirre so she could reportedly claim additional welfare. "Children are still getting killed. One of the most heartbreaking facts of his case is that he was then raised in two different loving homes before he was turned back to his sadistic mother. The dismissal, says Contreras, was as wrong as what happened earlier. Copyright 2023 KABC Television, LLC. This weekend marks seven years since parental child abuse took the life of 8-year-old Gabriel Fernandez. For further details of our complaints policy and to make a complaint please click this link: thesun.co.uk/editorial-complaints/, Gabriel Fernandez was just eight years old when he was tortured to death by his mum and her boyfriend, Pearl Fernandez was given life without parole for her part in the crimes - Isauro Aguirro was sentenced to death, Christene Estes wept as she remembered cataloguing little Gabriel's endless list of injuries, When paramedics found Gabriel they thought he had a severe skin disease because there were so many injuries all over his body, Family members think Pearl may have masterminded the more sadistic torture of her son, Gabriel with his grandparents, Sandra and Robert Fernandez, before he was made to live with his murderous mum, Isauro Aguirre was sentenced to death after he pleaded not guilty to murdering Gabriel, Prosecutors at the trial wondered why there was no blood on Isauro when paramedics arrived given the extent of Gabriel's injuries, Social workers Patricia Clement, Stefanie Rodriguez, Gregory Merritt and Kevin Bom were charged with child endangerment resulting in death, One of the suspicious notes Pearl showed counsellor Carmen Le Norgant, Gabriel Fernandez gave Mothers Day card to Pearl days before she and partner tortured him to death, eight-year-old Gabriel had suffered tremendously, Independent Press Standards Organisation (IPSO). 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