The Sun website is regulated by the Independent Press Standards Organisation (IPSO), Our journalists strive for accuracy but on occasion we make mistakes. The dismissal, says Contreras, was as wrong as what happened earlier. ; Contact Us Have a question, idea, or some feedback? He actually spent the first four years of his life living with his great-uncle Michael Lemos Carranza and his partner, David Martinez. A position rejected by Hatami. After having Fernandez, his mom, Pearl, decided she wasn't the right person to raise him. He and his wife adopted Gabriel's siblings, the walking wounded. The Los Angeles DA stated that Aguirre frequently beat Gabriel because he thought the boy was gay. Mourners have had questions. After his death, it emerged that the Department of Children and Family Services had received. Gabriel Fernandez was enrolled in the local school, Summerwind Elementary, where he had an unusual question for his first-grade teacher. Ezekiel was 12 and Virginia was 10 when they witnessed the torture inflicted by their own mother Pearl Fernandez and her boyfriend Isauro Aguirre. ", Get the biggest TV headlines, recaps and insider knowledge straight to your inbox. Copyright 2023 KABC Television, LLC. 90 Day Fiance's Hamza's Green Card Status 'Battle' Amid Memphis Divorce, '90 Day Fiance' Star Memphis Smith Alleges Hamza Moknii Was 'Abusive', 90 Day's Hamza Requested Paternity Test for Daughter Amid Memphis Split. "They can't fight for themselves, they can't speak out for themselves. I mean every part of his body there was something.". A position rejected by Hatami. Something went wrong, please try again later. The head of DCFS says since Gabriel's death, the system has been overhauled. Mom of 2, stabbed 8 times, is making most of second chance at life, Whose leak is it anyway? Unfortunately, they were his last eight months. "Children are still getting killed. In the documentary, Gabriels move at the age of four was because his grandfather Robert Fernandez did not agree with a same-sex couple raising a child. [INSIGHT]. The Trials of Gabriel Fernandez details the horrendous abuse Gabriel endured, which also included forcing him to eat cat faeces, burning him with cigarettes and locking him in a cabinet. She contemplated abortion on several occasions and would have gone through with it had her uncle had not convinced her to have the baby. Eventually, Pearl took Gabriel from his grandparents eight months before his death on May 24, 2013. Michael had raised and cared for Gabriel in the early years of his life, alongside his partner David Martinez. 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. By the grace of a higher power, he convinced Pearl to . In 2012, when Gabriel was eight-years-old, he was placed in the care of his mother Pearl Fernandez and her partner Isauro Aguirre. Elizabeth Carranza says she contacted both the cops and social workers multiple times, worrying about Gabriel's safety. We won't post to any of your accounts without asking first. Seven years on from his death, there are still so many lingering uncertainties regarding Gabriel's case and not just about his murderer parents. The Most Outrageous True Crime Stories of 2019, 11 True Crime Novels That Every Armchair Detective Will Love, Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window). Aguirre was sentenced to death. I don't know what the country's about at all. But the question remains whether it was just one of the thugs driving the abuse, or if they were both equally culpable. It is not any easier," Contreras said. Instead, she gave him to her uncle Carranza (Fernandezs great-uncle) and his partner, David Martinez. Speaking in the documentary series, Christene Estes, a trauma nurse, describes having to document each of the injuries they found individually - while her colleagues fought to save his life. "What they did is almost as bad as what Pearl and Isauro did," he said. I remember his throat just looked like somebody had burned him, bruising and cuts all over his face, black eyes He had like a weird cut above his penis, he had abrasions on the top of his foot like hed been dragged. They would take him everywhere, he would always be clean and happy. A position rejected by Hatami. However, the cause of death remains unknown. The couple watched the Netflix documentary "The Trials of Gabriel Fernandez.". "When I heard that sheriffs had went out and threatened Gabriel as if he keeps lying about things, that made me very angry," Elizabeth said. "I can't tell you how many people I've spoken to that have chosen a career path in social services because they say they want to make a difference," Contreras said. For him, it's personal. Gabriel's uncle, Chris Contreras, is breaking his silence. "As far as Canada, they come. This service is provided on News Group Newspapers' Limited's Standard Terms and Conditions in accordance with our Privacy & Cookie Policy. Investigators found all of Gabriel's clothing. The Trials of Gabriel Fernandez details the horrendous abuse Gabriel endured, which also included forcing him to eat cat faeces, burning him with cigarettes and locking him in a cabinet. But Contreras says a door opened recently. After they beat the 8-year-old boy so badly that he needed to go to the hospital, where he eventually died, his uncles rushed to be by his side. Robert keeps on saying, 'ah, because he says that he loves you guys, you two fa*****'". "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. As for where Michael is now, unfortunately, Gabriel's great uncle has passed away. One way or another," Contreras said. Elizabeth Carranza, Gabriel's. Gabriel Fernandez: Where are Gabriel Fernandez brother and sister now? Contreras received support he never imagined. Carranza's death meant he never saw justice for the little boy he loved so much. Gavin Newsom, citing his personal sense of morality, suspended all executions for as long as he's in office. According to the LA Times, Robert and Sandra claimed they warned cops that Pearl had a history of abuse with her other children but they allowed Gabriel to stay with her anyway. To this day, Contreras says Gabriel's siblings don't let themselves have fun, no matter how much he tries. When he was 3 days old, Pearl sent her son to live with Michael. ", In Martinez's account, he and Carranza had to give Gabriel up due to the wishes of his grandfather Robert Fernandez. We convinced her to have Gabriel and for her to give [the baby] to us so we [could] raise it., Its alleged Pearl showed no affection for her baby, allegedly calling Michael and saying: Come and get your kid, hes getting on my nerves already.. You can unsubscribe at any time. DON'T MISSGabriel Fernandez: Is Gabriel Fernandezs killer still alive? (Photo by Irfan Khan/Los Angeles Times via Getty Images). Children are still getting tortured and this is after Gabriel," Hatami said. The. In November 2017, Isauro was found guilty of murder with an additional special circumstance of intentional murder by torture. The series originally had included the Contreras family, but to allow more time for healing, Contreras requested that their part be taken out. Michael Lemos Carranza was Gabriel Fernandez's great-uncle, with whom Gabriel lived with for the first four years of his life, along with Michael's partner, David Martinez. His memory has generated positive steps to save children. Robert Fernandez's account of this, however, differs. "They can't fight for themselves, they can't speak out for themselves," said Deputy District Attorney Jon Hatami. Unfortunately, Michaels death came before Pearl and Isauro were found guilty of killing Gabriel and the were sentenced. 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"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. "They had the upper hand, I honestly believe to remove him and save him. 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.". The Trials of Gabriel Fernandez is streaming on Netflix now. Pearl pleaded guilty to first degree murder and was sentenced to life without parole. However, Pearl and Aguirre called Gabriel gay and hurt him for acting in manners that they considered. Born on January 4, 1968, Carranza passed away on September 17, 2014, a little over a year after Gabriel's demise. "How many people have named their children after Gabriel, my five year old son's middle name is Gabriel.". Amid the toys and tender mementos, a call to save children before it is too late. The power for change, Hatami says, is reflected in a growing memorial. But they didn't," said Carranza. RELATED: Gabriel Fernandez case: Court says social workers won't face charges in Palmdale boy's death. We want to hear from you. The proposal is pushed by Gabriel's cousin Emily Carranza who pins blame on Gabriel's social workers. His memory has generated positive steps to save children. Fernandez left the hospital the day her youngest son was born, The Cinemaholic reveals. At her sentencing, she said: "Every day I wish that Id made better choices. 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. [FACT CHECK]Gabriel Fernandez: Why did the 4 social workers' case not go to trial? While 19-stone security guard Isauro was known to have beaten four stone Gabriel unconscious, Pearl's relatives suspect she was really the boss when it came to some of the most horrific torture. I had never known pain before, until he passed away. The Trials of Gabriel Fernandez is streaming now on Netflix. To see all content on The Sun, please use the Site Map. [Michael Lemos Carranza and David Martinez] were both very good with him, Elizabeth Carranza, Fernandez great-aunt, said in the documentary. But Contreras says a door opened recently. Aguirre was found guilty of the same crime and was given the death penalty. After Pearl Fernandez called 911 on May 22, 2013 to report that Gabriel was not breathing, the paramedics who responded found him with broken ribs, a cracked skull and BB pellets stuck in his body . The evil actions of Pearl and her boyfriend Isauro Aguirre - torturing and murdering her eight-year-old son - have appalled viewers of Netflix s latest docuseries. But what happened that led to the 8-year-old boy leaving their custody and dying at the hands of mom Pearl Fernandez and her boyfriend, Isauro Aguirre? 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. I haven't been here [San Salvador] for 38 years. But two people - his great uncle and his partner - did care for him. In Netflixs documentary, Michaels partner David Martinez recalls: She didnt want him and the family didnt want her to have him. (Photo by Irfan Khan/Los Angeles Times via Getty Images), Isauro Aguirre was given the death penalty for the murder of Gabriel Fernandez. Copyright 2023 KABC Television, LLC. Isauro, however, denied the charge, and was ultimately sentenced to death in 2018 he's now on death row. They testified about the bat, the BB guns, the box where Gabriel was confined, accusations that he was gay. 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. Water gushes for days with no one stopping it, Couple had 'no respect' dumping close to a church, ABC13 viewer says. 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. The Trials of Gabriel Fernandez is the harrowing six-part documentary series on Netflix about the case of Gabriel Fernandez. Gabriel Fernandez was born to a mother, Pearl Fernandez, that didn't know how to love him. 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. Elizabeth Carranza, Gabriels great-aunt and Michaels sister spoke highly of Michael and David parenting. "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. To this day, Contreras says Gabriel's siblings don't let themselves have fun, no matter how much he tries. Gabriel Fernandez: Inside Chowchilla State Women's prison, Pearl Fernandez and Isauro Aguirre are in prison for the murder of 8-year-old Gabriel. During the last eight months of his life, Gabriel was the victim of child abuse which eventually led to his murder in May 2013. They loved being with him and raising him, and Gabriel loved them both very much.. But things could have been so different for Gabriel if hed been allowed to continue living with other relatives. "Unfortunately, I think this is something that's gonna affect them the rest of their lives. A new voice joined the outcry. You see his pictures as a baby, he was always smiling. 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. He saw how it opened minds and hearts. 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. "A lot of the family wants to blame just Tony," says Elizabeth Carranza, Gabriel's great-aunt. Is Every Duggar Ridiculously Messy? RELATED: Palmdale woman, boyfriend sentenced in 8-year-old's torture killing. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. RELATED: Palmdale abuse case: Mother of slain 8-year-old Gabriel Fernandez pleads guilty, Sunshine returns to SoCal on Thursday but cold temps stick around, World of Barbie to open next month at Santa Monica Place, Jupiter and Venus appear to 'kiss' in the sky. Or by navigating to the user icon in the top right. Those who knew Gabriel best talked to ABC7 about the boy. They loved being with him and raising him, and Gabriel loved them both very much.. "In her mind," Hatami said of Pearl, "She's thinking that they were gonna get rid of him. 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. Fernandez's parents, Robert and Sandra, helped raise the child as well, looking after him between 2005 and 2012. Michael was 46 years old at the time and his funeral arrangements were made in San . Aguirre was sentenced to death. The series originally had included the Contreras family, but to allow more time for healing, Contreras requested that their part be taken out. PALMDALE, Calif. -- This weekend marks seven years since parental child abuse. "They put him in the back of the car and told him that if he kept lying about things, that he would be the one to go to jail," Elizabeth said. 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. Contreras said Aguirre deserves no mercy, and he said evidence backs him up. Carranza slammed social services for their failings in a rally held days after Gabriel died. Living in a household gripped by fear. "I hear a few people say she was a victim, and didn't know how to get out of it. "What they did is almost as bad as what Pearl and Isauro did," he said. Children are still getting tortured and this is after Gabriel," Hatami said. Gabriel's mother, Pearl Fernandez, and her boyfriend, Isauro Aguirre, were ultimately convicted of first-degree murder in the boy's death, with Pearl now serving a life sentence and Aguirre being held on death row after a jury found the boy suffered unprecedented abuse at the hands of his guardians who had custody of Gabriel for less than a year. You see his pictures as a baby, he was always smiling. Support Center Find answers to questions about products, access, use, setup, and administration. SoCal parental abuse case: Uncle breaks silence nearly 7 years after 8-year-old boy's death. Email In Touch at [email protected]. "Part of knowing how to do CPR is that you don't stop until the paramedics showed up," said Jon Hatami, the prosecutor in Gabriel's case. 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