PALMDALE, Calif. (KABC) -- This weekend marks seven years since parental child abuse took the life of 8-year-old Gabriel Fernandez. Gabriel Fernandez was raised by his great uncle and his partner (Image: NETFLIX) In the documentary, Gabriel's move at the age of four was because his grandfather Robert Fernandez. They loved being with him and raising him, and Gabriel loved them both very much.. Gabriel Fernandez: Who is Gabriel Fernandezs biological father. The series takes a trip to El Salvador in Episode 3 to speak to David Martinez, known to Gabriel as "Uncle David," whose story and relationship to Gabriel highlights the homophobia that was a major factor in the death of the child. To this day, Contreras says Gabriel's siblings don't let themselves have fun, no matter how much he tries. The power for change, Hatami says, is reflected in a growing memorial. Mourners have had questions. As we previously reported in our guide to Gabriel's grandparents, the claim alleges, "in or about March of 2005, Pearl Fernandez turned over custody of her son Gabriel Fernandez to her parents, Robert and Sandra Fernandez stating she did not want Gabriel and had no love for the child.". Tragically, Gabriel Fernandez's death was entirely preventable. The logic was that if Isauro was trying to save the boy's life, he couldn't have intended to kill him, so he wasn't guilty of murder. In the documentary, Martinez explains that he currently lives in El Salvador after being deported by ICE. During the last eight months of his life, Gabriel was the victim of child abuse which e -------------------------------------------------------------------------Please Click SubscribeTV News, Previews, Spoilers, Casting Scoop, Interviews, Television News, Ratings, TV Show Reviews, TV - News, Pictures, Videos, Entertainment, #GabrielFernandezWhy, #GabrielFernandez, #leave, #GreatUncle, #care#Netflix "Children are still getting killed. 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. Gabriel Fernandez: Did Gabriel Fernandez's parents die? He lived with them for about four years, until his grandparents objected to him being cared for by two gay men. "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. Pearl pleaded guilty to first degree murder and was sentenced to life without parole. "Unfortunately, I think this is something that's gonna affect them the rest of their lives. Netflix's hit true crime show The Trials of Gabriel Fernandez mostly takes place in and around Palmdale, California, where the torture and brutal murder of the 8-year-old Gabriel Fernandez took place. 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.". R.I.P MICHAEL LEMOS CARRANZA.. We convinced herto give him to uswe picked Gabriel up from the hospital when he was three days old. He was my baby. Email In Touch at contact@intouchweekly.com. In Touch Weekly is part of the a360media Entertainment Group.Copyright a360media 2023. "I would show everybody that picture of Gabriel in the hospital. Are Janelle, Christine and Meri Suing Kody Over Money From Coyote Pass? However, medical staff instantly realised it was much worse as they noticed injuries covering his entire body. In November 2017, Isauro was found guilty of murder with an additional special circumstance of intentional murder by torture. You need to care," said Deputy District Attorney Jon Hatami. Gabriel Fernandez: Why did the 4 social workers' case not go to trial? To this day, Contreras said Gabriel's siblings don't let themselves have fun, no matter how much he tries. Instead, she gave him to her uncle Carranza (Fernandezs great-uncle) and his partner, David Martinez. ", 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. He said: She [Pearl] didnt want him and the family didnt want her to have him. 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. READ MOREGabriel Fernandez season 2 release date: Will there be another series? In Pearl's custody, someone called to report that they thought Gabriel was molested by his uncle, but no one has confirmed this allegation. Gavin Newsom, citing his personal sense of morality, suspended all executions for as long as he's in office. Robert keeps on saying, 'ah, because he says that he loves you guys, you two fa*****'". In Spanish, he can be heard saying: "They want me to plead guilty to something I haven't done. We convinced her to have Gabriel and for her to give [the baby] to us so we [could] raise it.. His memory has generated positive steps to save children. I feel like they are here with me too.". 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 . But Gov. It is not any easier," Contreras said. Seven years on from his death, there are still so many lingering uncertainties regarding Gabriel's case and not just about his murderer parents. Isauro didn't have blood on his hands or anywhere on his body, which was strange given the amount all over Gabriel when paramedics found him. "I know that those that have heard or seen his story. Aguirre was sentenced to death. The head of DCFS says since Gabriel's death, the system has been overhauled. Fernandez's parents, Robert and Sandra, helped raise the child as well, looking after him between 2005 and 2012. Please note that this form cannot be used to reset your Google or Facebook password. Young Gabriel Fernandez. In 2018 Gabriel's mother Pearl pleaded guilty to first-degree murder and sentenced to life in prison without parole. PALMDALE, California -- This weekend marks seven years since parental child abuse took the life of 8-year-old Gabriel Fernandez. Gabriel's memory in the household is so painful, they avoid it. Im sorry to my children, and I want them to know that I love them.". "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. This is despite LA County District Attorney Jackie Lacey previously telling NBC Los Angeles she stood by the charges, stating: There ought to be some criminal consequences.. 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. After having Fernandez, his mom, Pearl, decided she wasn't the right person to raise him. 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. I had never known pain before, until he passed away. Prosecutor Hatami firstly thought it was suspicious that she showed the note to his in-home counsellor, Carmen Le Norgant, just as she was leaving a visit less than three months before his death. Michael was 46 years old at the time and his funeral arrangements were made in San . "They had the upper hand, I honestly believe to remove him and save him. By the grace of a higher power, he convinced Pearl to . Social worker Stefanie Rodriguez and other representatives of child protection agencies also visited Gabriel's home on a number of occasions. David maintains that this allegation is false, as did some members of Gabriel's family. His memory has generated positive steps to save children. 2023 Vox Media, LLC. But Prosecutor Jon Hatami believed Pearl took Gabriel into her custody so she could claim more welfare benefits. Isauro is currently on death row at San Quentin Prison and Pearl is incarcerated at Chowchilla Womens Prison, both in California. Netflixs documentary The Trials of Gabriel Fernandez explained to true crime viewers that Carranza was the one raising Fernandez from birth. RELATED: Palmdale mother gets life prison term, boyfriend sentenced to death in 8-year-old's torture-killing. I feel like theyre with me to this moment, he said. He takes aim at the Department of Children and Family Services. 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 loved being with him and raising him, and Gabriel loved them both very much.. "Unfortunately, I think this is something that's gonna affect them the rest of their lives. He told the 911 operator he was following her instructions and performing the chest compressions but witnesses in the case threw doubt that he'd actually given the life-saving treatment. Sadly, just 16 months after Gabriels death, 46-year-old Michael Lemos Carranza died on September 17, 2014. The Trials of Gabriel Fernandez is the harrowing six-part documentary series on Netflix about the case of Gabriel Fernandez. Michael had raised and cared for Gabriel in the early years of his life, alongside his partner David Martinez. [INSIGHT]. "I hear a few people say she was a victim, and didn't know how to get out of it. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. "He was my baby," David said. "I love you so much that I will kill myself", it read. Speaking in the documentary, David Martinez explained how they came to raise Gabriel in the first place. 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? PALMDALE, Calif. (KABC) -- This weekend marks seven years since parental child abuse took the life of 8-year-old Gabriel Fernandez. One way or another," Contreras said. Those who knew Gabriel best talked to ABC7 about the boy. And what did they do? Before living with his grandparents and dying under his mother's custody, Gabriel Fernandez resided with his great-uncle Michael Lemos Carranza and Michael's partner, David Martinez. 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. And there's momentum for "Gabriel's Law." Car loads.". RELATED: Palmdale woman, boyfriend sentenced in 8-year-old's torture killing. 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. Fernandez lived with Robert and Sandra until he was 7, at which point Pearl and Aguirre took him back. Every question put his way was handled with a blend of authority and empathy. I will love him until I die. But Gov. Children are still getting murdered. The. The social workers were there. Children are still getting tortured and this is after Gabriel," Hatami said. Gabriel Fernandez: Which other cases were tried in same LA courtroom? In an interview with ABC7, Contreras finally broke his silence, to mark the seven years since Gabriel's deaeth. It would give an officer on an abuse call a way to quickly check for DCFS history and alert the caseworker. Contreras says Aguirre deserves no mercy, and he says evidence backs him up. They would take him everywhere, he would always be clean and happy. Mourners have had questions. In the doc, he says, "ICE got hold of me. 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: What happened to Gabriel Fernandezs parents? "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. 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. The systemic failings of the system designed to protect vulnerable children in Los Angeles are exposed too. They need somebody else to do it, but especially during this time. Mom of 2, stabbed 8 times, is making most of second chance at life, Whose leak is it anyway? He was declared brain dead and taken off life support two days later. The Sun website is regulated by the Independent Press Standards Organisation (IPSO), Our journalists strive for accuracy but on occasion we make mistakes. It's all those emotions are there. In the early years of his life he lived with his Great Uncle but why did this change? 679215 Registered office: 1 London Bridge Street, London, SE1 9GF. After his teacher notified social workers of the abuse, something could have been done. You need to care," said Deputy District Attorney Jon Hatami. Have a tip? Those who knew Gabriel best talked to ABC7 about the boy. In interviews with Netflix he recalls times spent with Michael and Gabriel, and says he feels both are with him in spirit. The dismissal, says Contreras, was as wrong as what happened earlier. But California's governor, citing his personal sense of morality, suspended all executions for as long as he's in office. "I know that those that have heard or seen his story. The series originally had included the Contreras family, but to allow more time for healing, Contreras requested that their part be taken out. Meanwhile, his siblings described watching their brother being forced to eat cat litter and have cold baths while being pepper sprayed. Later investigations revealed Rodriguez had never received information detailing previous allegations that Pearl Rodriguez had neglected her other children. But Contreras says a door opened recently. When Gabriel was born, drug addict Pearl gave him away to be raised by others saying she didn't love him. 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. "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. "They can . The power for change, Hatami said, is reflected in a growing memorial. "How many people have named their children after Gabriel, my five year old son's middle name is Gabriel.". His memory has generated positive steps to save children. As seen in the Netflix documentary series, he was kept locked in a cupboard on numerous occasions and suffered unbelievable injuries. Contreras says Aguirre deserves no mercy, and he says evidence backs him up. "They can't fight for themselves, they can't speak out for themselves. The documentary alleged the couple looked after Gabriel until one day when they said Gabriel had been kidnapped by Isauro. Pearl Fernandez gave . The power for change, Hatami says, is reflected in a growing memorial. 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. Heartwarming footage in the documentary showcases pictures of Michael, David and Gabriel playing together and celebrating Christmas. Children are still getting tortured and this is after Gabriel," Hatami said. He and his wife adopted Gabriel's siblings, the walking wounded. This marked the start of the worst period of Gabriel's life. "Unfortunately, I think this is something that's going to affect them the rest of their lives. All rights reserved. Amid the toys and tender mementos, a call to save children before it is too late. Aguirre was found guilty of the same crime and was given the death penalty. "There were rumours that he [Gabriel] was gay, and it's like, 'no, my baby's not gay. 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. ", Get the biggest TV headlines, recaps and insider knowledge straight to your inbox. 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. ", In the subsequent trial, Gabriel's brave siblings described how. A new voice joined the outcry. In The Trials of Gabriel Fernandez, Martinez says of this, "We were close with Pearl and she didn't want it [baby Gabriel] and the family didn't want her to have him. We also may change the frequency you receive our emails from us in order to keep you up to date and give you the best relevant information possible. Robert Fernandez's account of this, however, differs. Despite this, supervisor Gregory Merritt closed the case. Though the uncles confronted Fernandezs grandfather, Martinez says Robert believed that being raised by two gay men was making the little boy gay, so the grandparents decided to raise him themselves. For other inquiries, Contact Us. Gabriel Fernandez: Is Gabriel Fernandezs killer still alive? David also revealed Pearl apparently told Michael to come and get his kid because he was getting on her nerves, at just three-days-old. We use your sign-up to provide content in the ways you've consented to and improve our understanding of you. In Netflixs documentary, Michaels partner David Martinez recalls: She didnt want him and the family didnt want her to have him. And if you don't, I think the public then should have the right to hold you criminally responsible," Hatami said. [FACT CHECK]Gabriel Fernandez: Why did the 4 social workers' case not go to trial? He actually spent the first four years of his life living with his great-uncle Michael Lemos Carranza and his partner, David Martinez. Contreras says he believes Aguirro deserves "no mercy". "I would show everybody that picture of Gabriel in the hospital. Ms Estes also describes how they found a BB gun pellet in Gabriel's lung, and even one in his groin, signalling he'd been shot in both places. Before Gabriel Fernandez returned to his mother Pearl Fernandez, he was brought up by his Great uncle Michael Lemos Carranza and his grandparents. This weekend marks seven years since parental child abuse took the life of 8-year-old Gabriel Fernandez. The children testified about the bat, the BB guns, the box where Gabriel was confined, and accusations that he was gay. 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 . Living in a household gripped by fear. Not having my family here too, you know, being gayI was petrified too because I was leaving Michael and Gabriel behind but now I don't feel like I'm alone here. Gavin Newsom, citing his personal sense of morality, suspended all executions for as long as he's in office. Gabriel Fernandez was eight years old when he died, Pearl Fernandez was sentenced to life in prison without parole. 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. 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