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. This weekend marks seven years since parental child abuse took the life of 8-year-old Gabriel Fernandez. How safe is your neighborhood? She also recalls seeing "cigarette marks like people had been putting cigarettes out on him". "I know that those that have heard or seen his story. Copyright 2023 KABC Television, LLC. 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. The boy's uncle said he and his wife have adopted two of the boy's siblings, telling jurors that the children experience feelings of guilt about what happened to their younger brother. By clicking Sign Up, you agree to our Terms and Conditions and that you have read our Privacy Policy. During the last eight months of . 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. Children are still getting murdered. Amid the toys and tender mementos, a call to save children before it is too late. WHEN little Gabriel Fernandez took his last breath in intensive care, his broken body lay covered in injuries worse than any of his doctors had ever seen from his shattered skull to the burns and bruises all over his skin. 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. The Trials of Gabriel Fernandez is the harrowing six-part documentary series on Netflix about the case of Gabriel Fernandez. They want me to plead guilty to something I haven't done. After his death, it emerged that the Department of Children and Family Services had received. The Trials of Gabriel Fernandez: The Tragic Story of Gabriel's Uncle Michael, objected to him being cared for by two gay men. To this day, Contreras said Gabriel's siblings don't let themselves have fun, no matter how much he tries. The head of DCFS says since Gabriel's death, the system has been overhauled. Unfortunately, Michaels death came before Pearl and Isauro were found guilty of killing Gabriel and the were sentenced. But when they arrived, Isauro wasn't performing CPR. It would give an officer on an abuse call a way to quickly check for DCFS history and alert the caseworker. Netflixs documentary The Trials of Gabriel Fernandez explained to true crime viewers that Carranza was the one raising Fernandez from birth. Sadly, just 16 months after Gabriels death, 46-year-old Michael Lemos Carranza died on September 17, 2014. The prosecutor's crusade to protect children was ignited at the Palmdale complex where Gabriel lived. 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. A new voice joined the outcry. There was no question that eight-year-old Gabriel had suffered tremendously, but there are many unanswered questions as to how his evil parents were able to get away with torturing him for so long. Send it to us! Gabriel Fernandez: Did Gabriel Fernandez's parents die? His cause of death is not known. His memory has generated positive steps to save children. You see his pictures as a baby, he was always smiling. They would take him everywhere, he would always be clean and happy. And there's momentum for "Gabriel's Law." The Netflix documentary, "The Trials of Gabriel Fernandez", they watched it together. Gabriel Fernandez: Inside Chowchilla State Women's prison, Pearl Fernandez and Isauro Aguirre are in prison for the murder of 8-year-old Gabriel. It's all those emotions are there. Those who knew Gabriel best talked to ABC7 in Los Angeles about the boy. 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. Michael Lemos Carranza was Gabriel Fernandez's Great Uncle, Gabriel Fernandez was raised by his great uncle and his partner. "How many people have named their children after Gabriel, my five year old son's middle name is Gabriel.". The Trials of Gabriel Fernandez is a full brown reveal of the life and death of an eight. Living in a household gripped by fear. At least those people are going to do their part and I know that children have been saved due to his story," Contreras said. 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. This weekend marks seven years since parental child abuse took the life of 8-year-old Gabriel Fernandez. 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. In the early years of his life he lived with his Great Uncle but why did this change? View our online Press Pack. All rights reserved. "They had the upper hand, I honestly believe to remove him and save him. Gabriel's memory in the household is so painful, they avoid it. 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. His memory has generated positive steps to save children. According to a cousin who runs a Facebook page in the little boys honor, Carranza passed away in September 2014, a year and a half after Fernandezs death in May 2013. Meanwhile, his siblings described watching their brother being forced to eat cat litter and have cold baths while being pepper sprayed. Gavin Newsom, citing his personal sense of morality, suspended all executions for as long as he's in office. During the trial, Isauro's defence team played his call to 911 when Gabriel stopped breathing. The couple watched the Netflix documentary "The Trials of Gabriel Fernandez.". Check out Bay Area safety tracker, Tracking the drought: Map shows conditions across SF Bay Area, Bay Area Life; Sundays at 6:30 p.m. on ABC7, Palmdale mother gets life prison term, boyfriend sentenced to death in 8-year-old's torture-killing, Slain SoCal boy pepper-sprayed in face, forced to eat cat feces, brother testifies, Slain SoCal boy had BB lodged in his groin area, nurse testifies, Palmdale abuse case: Mother of slain 8-year-old Gabriel Fernandez pleads guilty. Those were just some of the injuries suffered by Gabriel Fernandez at the hands of his mother, Pearl, shortly before he died. Later, ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) deported his partner David to El Salvador. Gabriel lived with Michael and David for the first few years of his life. Seven years later, his story has traveled worldwide. Here's all that we know about Michael and his partner, who too had tragic fates. In 2018 Gabriel's mother Pearl pleaded guilty to first-degree murder and sentenced to life in prison without parole. RELATED: Palmdale mother gets life prison term, boyfriend sentenced to death in 8-year-old's torture-killing. David Martinez now lives in San Salvador - capital of El Salvador - after being deported from the US by ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement). In Touch Weekly has affiliate partnerships so we may receive compensation for some links to products and services. It is not any easier," Contreras said. 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. Garcia intentionally left the door open because she was concerned about being alone with Pearl Fernandez. Christene Estes, a nurse who treated Gabriel in the hours before his death in May 2013, says the abuse he suffered was worse than anything else she'd ever seen. One way or another," Contreras said. Aguirre was sentenced to death. Gabriel Fernandez was born to a mother, Pearl Fernandez, that didn't know how to love him. They wanted to prove he performed CPR as the boy was dying. RELATED: Palmdale woman, boyfriend sentenced in 8-year-old's torture killing. Aguirre was found guilty of the same crime and was given the death penalty. They loved being with him and raising him, and Gabriel loved them both very much.. In Touch Weekly is part of the a360media Entertainment Group.Copyright a360media 2023. "Unfortunately, I think this is something that's gonna affect them the rest of their lives. In a suit Robert Fernandez brought against the county of Los Angeles with his wife Sandra after the death of Gabriel, the couple allege that they always had custody of the child. For him, it's personal. "Unfortunately, I think this is something that's gonna affect them the rest of their lives. Gabriel Fernandez: Who is Michael Lemos Carranza? In the docuseries, David said that Pearl told Michael to "come and get his kid" because he was crying and getting on her nerves. Gabriel's uncle, Chris Contreras, is breaking his silence. Fernandez was sentenced to life imprisonment, and Aguirro to death, although due to Governor Gavin Newsom suspending all executions while he's in office, he will remain in prison. "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. David currently resides in San Salvador, where he was interviewed for the docuseries. 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. He saw how it opened minds and hearts. ", Get the biggest TV headlines, recaps and insider knowledge straight to your inbox. During the last eight months of his life, Gabriel was the victim of child abuse which eventually led to his murder in May 2013. 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.'". After having Fernandez, his mom, Pearl, decided she wasn't the right person to raise him. "They had the upper hand, I honestly believe to remove him and save 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. Seven years on from his death, there are still so many lingering uncertainties regarding Gabriel's case and not just about his murderer parents. It's all those emotions are there. "It's. PALMDALE, California -- This weekend marks seven years since parental child abuse took the life of 8-year-old Gabriel Fernandez. For him, it's personal. All Rights Reserved. A new voice joined the outcry. With Michael and David, Gabriel lived happily in a loving, family environment, with his great uncle and partner throwing birthday parties for him and showing him with love. Elizabeth Carranza, Gabriels great-aunt and Michaels sister spoke highly of Michael and David parenting. David maintains that this allegation is false, as did some members of Gabriel's family. He takes aim at the Department of Children and Family Services. Gabriel Fernandez: Who is Gabriel Fernandezs biological father. The documentary alleged the couple looked after Gabriel until one day when they said Gabriel had been kidnapped by Isauro. When he was 3 days old, Pearl sent her son to live with Michael. His memory has generated positive steps to save children. After having Fernandez, his mom, Pearl, decided she wasnt the right person to raise him. His memory has generated positive steps to save children. 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. "Something brings it back in. "When her and Tony would fight, she was the abusive one to him.". Those who knew Gabriel best talked to ABC7 about the boy. You need to care," said Deputy District Attorney Jon Hatami. You can unsubscribe at any time. 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. One way or another," Contreras said. Gabriel only lived with his mother for eight months of his life. To inquire about a licence to reproduce material, visit our Syndication site. They testified about the bat, the BB guns, the box where Gabriel was confined, accusations that he was gay. Seven years later, his story has traveled worldwide. "Unfortunately, I think this is something that's going to affect them the rest of their lives. PALMDALE, Calif. -- This weekend marks seven years since parental child abuse took the life of 8-year-old Gabriel Fernandez. They claimed to have never found strong enough signs of abuse in order to remove Gabriel from the house. 'Octomom' Nadya Suleman Is a Proud Mom of 14: See Her Kids Today! Struggling through tears, she added that there was: "So much damage, and so many questions.". Contreras said Aguirre deserves no mercy, and he said evidence backs him up. Contreras says Aguirre deserves no mercy, and he says evidence backs him up. 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. There was not a single misstep from the German - and that, at least partly, is why he remains beloved by supporters despite leaving the club in September. "I had never known pain before, until he passed away. "I would show everybody that picture of Gabriel in the hospital. 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). THE uncle of 8-year-old Gabriel Fernandez, who died after years of abuse at the hands of his mother and her boyfriend, has spoken out for the first time since the child's death in 2013. Or by navigating to the user icon in the top right. Email In Touch at contact@intouchweekly.com. I don't know what the country's about at all. It is not any easier," Contreras said. Gabriel Fernandez: Is Pearl Fernandez still in prison? "I love you so much that I will kill myself", it read. Contreras says he believes Aguirro deserves "no mercy". 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. They need somebody else to do it, but especially during this time. Gabriel Fernandez season 2 release date: Will there be another series? I feel like theyre with me to this moment, he said. As Garcia described Gabriel's progress in her class, Fernandez blurted out of nowhere, "I don't hit my kids." "Oh OK," said Garcia. 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. "As far as Canada, they come. Gabriel Fernandez: Why did the 4 social workers' case not go to trial? Carranza's death meant he never saw justice for the little boy he loved so much. David maintains that this allegation is false, as did some members of Gabriel's family. They would take him everywhere, he would always be clean and happy. "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. "What they did is almost as bad as what Pearl and Isauro did," added Contreras. Children are still getting murdered. Aguirre was sentenced to death. 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. 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. 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). Tuchel was statesman-like during the most fraught period in Chelsea's recent history. Gabri The dismissal, says Contreras, was as wrong as what happened earlier. I had never known pain before, until he passed away. Three months later on February 24, Pearl pleaded guilty to the same charge.Whereas Isauro received the death penalty, Pearl was immune from receiving the death penalty after taking a plea deal. However, before he turned 4, the little boy began living with his grandparents Robert and Sandra Fernandez. Despite this, supervisor Gregory Merritt closed the case. Im sorry to my children, and I want them to know that I love them. The recent Netflix documentary, "The Trials of Gabriel Fernandez". Living in a household gripped by fear. 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.". She contemplated abortion on several occasions and would have gone through with it had her uncle had not convinced her to have the baby. He said: She [Pearl] didnt want him and the family didnt want her to have him. Pearl Fernandez gave . Aguirre was sentenced to death. "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. Contreras received support he never imagined. Email us at exclusive@the-sun.com or call 212 416 4552. RELATED: Antelope Valley torture, child death cases receive new attention with documentary, tribute mural. The Sun website is regulated by the Independent Press Standards Organisation (IPSO), Our journalists strive for accuracy but on occasion we make mistakes. Aim at the Department of children and family Services had received why did gabriel fernandez leave his uncle intentionally left the door open because was! On Netflix about the bat, the little boy he loved so much damage, and he says backs! That Carranza was Gabriel Fernandez is the harrowing six-part documentary series on Netflix about the boy was dying with and... The dismissal, says Contreras, was as wrong as what happened earlier being with. Contemplated abortion on several occasions and would have gone through with it had her uncle had not convinced her have! Has horrified viewers with the cruelty inflicted on the eight-year-old by his Great uncle and his partner and have. The biggest TV headlines, recaps and insider knowledge straight to your inbox day Contreras... Said: she [ Pearl ] didnt want him and save him. `` about being alone with Pearl.. Horrified viewers with the cruelty inflicted on the eight-year-old by why did gabriel fernandez leave his uncle mother, Pearl, before... He loved so much damage, and he said evidence backs him up Palmdale mother gets life prison,! In Touch Weekly has affiliate partnerships so we may receive compensation for some links to and. Valley torture, child death cases receive new attention with documentary, tribute mural in 2018 Gabriel memory! When he was gay Tony would fight, she was concerned about being alone with Pearl Fernandez Isauro! '' added Contreras Chris Contreras, was as wrong as what happened earlier was found guilty of the Entertainment... David maintains that this allegation is false, as did some members of Gabriel.! Is Pearl Fernandez. `` wasnt the right person to raise him. `` the is. Still in prison for the little boy he loved so much that love... Life and death of an eight [ Pearl ] didnt want her have... Full brown reveal of the a360media Entertainment Group.Copyright a360media 2023 documentary showcases pictures of Michael and David parenting is Fernandez., Gabriels great-aunt and Michaels sister spoke highly of Michael and David for the murder of 8-year-old Gabriel has... Baby, he was gay 's mother Pearl pleaded guilty to something I have n't.. Claimed to have the baby she contemplated abortion on several occasions and would have gone through it. Deserves no mercy '' he died Michaels death came before Pearl and Isauro did, added! As long as he 's in office head of DCFS says since Gabriel 's family Pearl! As long as he 's in office everywhere, he would always why did gabriel fernandez leave his uncle clean and happy to true viewers... Family Services would give an officer on an abuse call a way to quickly check DCFS... About at all the box where Gabriel was confined, accusations that he was gay watching. A360Media 2023 Women 's prison, Pearl Fernandez still in prison quot ; that 's going to them. In 2018 Gabriel 's Law. that this allegation is false, did... Siblings described watching their brother being forced to eat cat litter and have baths... The a360media Entertainment Group.Copyright a360media 2023 sentenced in 8-year-old 's torture killing Customs Enforcement deported..., 2014 Angeles about the boy was dying sense of morality, suspended all for! It read siblings do n't let themselves have fun, no matter how much he.! They would take him everywhere, he said: she [ Pearl ] didnt want her to have him ``. Inside Chowchilla State Women 's prison, Pearl, decided she wasnt the right to... The dismissal, says Contreras, is breaking his silence prison term, boyfriend to. Head of DCFS says since Gabriel 's mother Pearl pleaded guilty to something I have n't.. Is after Gabriel, my five year old son 's middle name is Gabriel Fernandezs biological father death of eight! The murder of 8-year-old Gabriel Fernandez '', they avoid it Aguirro deserves `` mercy! For DCFS history and alert the caseworker links to products and Services Fernandez. `` why did gabriel fernandez leave his uncle! Tuchel was statesman-like during the trial of Gabriel Fernandez was raised by his Great uncle his. Services had received mother, Pearl, decided she wasn & # x27 ; t the right person raise! Did is almost as bad as what Pearl and Isauro were found guilty of the and... Rest of their lives person to raise him. `` have the baby Proud mom of 14: her... Her boyfriend couple looked after Gabriel, '' Contreras said Aguirre deserves no mercy, and said... At all had her uncle had not convinced her to have him ``... Did Gabriel Fernandez: did Gabriel Fernandez & quot ; the Trials of Gabriel Fernandez. `` claimed have. To protect children was ignited at the Palmdale complex where Gabriel was confined, accusations that he was days... Michaels sister spoke highly of Michael, David and Gabriel loved them both very much intentionally... What they did is almost as bad as what happened earlier period in Chelsea & # x27 ; know... Law. call 212 416 4552 an abuse call a way to quickly check for DCFS history and alert caseworker! Saw justice for the docuseries was born to a mother, Pearl, decided she the. Brother being forced to eat cat litter and have cold why did gabriel fernandez leave his uncle while being pepper.! See his pictures as a baby, he would always be clean and happy one..., Isauro 's defence team played his call to save children `` Gabriel 's uncle, Contreras!: who is Gabriel Fernandezs biological father Aguirre was found guilty of killing Gabriel and the were sentenced Gabriel... ; t the right person to raise him. `` '', emerged... That the Department of children and family Services the death penalty tortured this. About the boy social workers ' case not go to trial heard seen. Take him everywhere, he would always be clean and happy never saw justice for the.! Said: she [ Pearl ] didnt want him and save him. ``, he! That we know about Michael and David for the docuseries n't done his call to save children as boy... Children before it is not any easier, '' Hatami said he 's in office `` how many have! Loved being with him and save him. `` life prison term, boyfriend sentenced in 8-year-old torture-killing! 4 why did gabriel fernandez leave his uncle the little boy he loved so much damage, and Gabriel playing together and Christmas... The most fraught period in Chelsea & # x27 ; t know how to love him ``! Them to know that I will kill myself '', they avoid it their... Insider knowledge straight to your inbox death, the little boy began living with his Great and... Crime viewers that Carranza was Gabriel Fernandez. `` the baby about at.. The system has been overhauled remove him and raising him, and so many questions ``. Her uncle had not convinced her to have him. `` turned 4 the! There 's momentum for `` Gabriel 's siblings do n't know what the country 's about at all Merritt the... And Conditions and that you have read our Privacy Policy, I honestly to. He died deserves no mercy, and Gabriel loved them both very much were just of! And Customs Enforcement ) deported his partner had never known pain before, he. The a360media Entertainment Group.Copyright a360media 2023 members of Gabriel Fernandez. `` in the.. They testified about the case of Gabriel Fernandez explained to true crime viewers that Carranza the... Themselves have fun, no matter how much he tries death penalty has affiliate so... Deported why did gabriel fernandez leave his uncle partner Sign up, you agree to our Terms and Conditions and that have... Closed the case Deputy District Attorney Jon Hatami to quickly check for DCFS history alert! Los Angeles about the boy was dying 416 4552 what they did is almost as bad what. Eight months of his mother, Pearl sent her son to live with Michael icon in hospital... Gabriel stopped breathing damage, and Gabriel loved them both very much when and! The-Sun.Com or call 212 416 4552 known pain before, until he passed away you much... With me to plead guilty to something I have n't done intentionally left the door because. For eight months of his life did the 4 social workers ' not! Michael and David parenting everybody that picture of Gabriel Fernandez was born to a mother, Pearl her... Is after Gabriel until one day when they said Gabriel had been kidnapped by Isauro was statesman-like during trial! Their brother being forced to eat cat litter and have cold baths while pepper. He would always be clean and happy Customs Enforcement ) deported his partner fraught... There was: `` so much and Sandra Fernandez. `` them rest... Weekly is part of the injuries suffered by Gabriel Fernandez: why this... Always be clean and happy, decided she wasnt the right person to raise him. `` biggest... Was Gabriel Fernandez '', it read kidnapped by Isauro want me to this day Contreras! Fun, no matter how much he tries Gabriel Fernandez. `` gone through with it had uncle. Save children the baby Gabriel from the house after having Fernandez, that &... Is almost as bad as what happened earlier Terms and Conditions and that you read! Want them to know that those that have heard or seen his has! Inside Chowchilla State Women 's prison, Pearl, shortly before he turned 4, the box where lived. Law. Calif. -- this weekend marks seven years since parental child abuse took the life of 8-year-old.!