She steered the conversation back to Gabriel's academics. The proposal is pushed by Gabriel's cousin Emily Carranza who pins blame on Gabriel's social workers. But Contreras said a door opened recently. 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. Gabriel's uncle, Chris Contreras, is breaking his silence. All rights reserved. The series originally had included the Contreras family, but to allow more time for healing, Contreras requested that their part be taken out. Unfortunately, they were his last eight months. You need to care," said Deputy District Attorney Jon Hatami. Those who knew Gabriel best talked to ABC7 about the boy. "How many people have named their children after Gabriel, my five year old son's middle name is Gabriel.". The systemic failings of the system designed to protect vulnerable children in Los Angeles are exposed too. As for where Michael is now, unfortunately, Gabriel's great uncle has passed away. 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. 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. They testified about the bat, the BB guns, the box where Gabriel was confined, accusations that he was gay. Fernandez's parents, Robert and Sandra, helped raise the child as well, looking after him between 2005 and 2012. Carranza slammed social services for their failings in a rally held days after Gabriel died. A new voice joined the outcry. It is not any easier," Contreras said. He takes aim at the Department of Children and Family Services. "I just remember that night thinking, I just cant I just cant wrap my head around how it got to this. 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. It is not any easier," Contreras said. Eventually, Pearl took Gabriel from his grandparents eight months before his death on May 24, 2013. 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 . During the trial, Isauro's defence team played his call to 911 when Gabriel stopped breathing. Contreras says he believes Aguirro deserves "no mercy". His memory has generated positive steps to save children. Tragically, Gabriel Fernandez's death was entirely preventable. 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. 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. But they didn't," said Carranza. Unfortunately, Michaels death came before Pearl and Isauro were found guilty of killing Gabriel and the were sentenced. 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.". "In her mind," Hatami said of Pearl, "She's thinking that they were gonna get rid of him. I feel like they are here with me too.". All Rights Reserved. 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. The power for change, Hatami said, is reflected in a growing memorial. R.I.P MICHAEL LEMOS CARRANZA.. 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. The Los Angeles DA stated that Aguirre frequently beat Gabriel because he thought the boy 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. To see all content on The Sun, please use the Site Map. Car loads.". Gabriel Fernandez: Where are Gabriel Fernandez brother and sister now? One way or another," Contreras said. Aguirre was found guilty of the same crime and was given the death penalty. 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. The Trials of Gabriel Fernandez is the harrowing six-part documentary series on Netflix about the case of Gabriel Fernandez. Seven years later, Gabriel's story has traveled worldwide. The Netflix documentary, "The Trials of Gabriel Fernandez", they watched it together. "A lot of the family wants to blame just Tony," says Elizabeth Carranza, Gabriel's great-aunt. His memory has generated positive steps to save children. Gabriel's uncle Chris Contreras is breaking his silence. But Gov. We won't post to any of your accounts without asking first. However, the cause of death remains unknown. 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. Later, ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) deported his partner David to El Salvador. Car loads.". (Photo by Irfan Khan/Los Angeles Times via Getty Images), Isauro Aguirre was given the death penalty for the murder of Gabriel Fernandez. The social workers were there. Those who knew Gabriel best talked to ABC7 about the boy. Martinez, who was featured in the documentary, explained, She didnt want him and the family didnt want her to have him. How safe is your neighborhood? They claimed to have never found strong enough signs of abuse in order to remove Gabriel from the house. "Unfortunately, I think this is something that's going to affect them the rest of their lives. In 2009 he moved in with his grandparents; his grandfather deciding that Gabriel should not be brought up by two gay men. We were not allowed to see him, Martinez explained in the doc. He takes aim at the Department of Children and Family Services. Though he was afraid to return to the country after 38 years away, he feels that Fernandez and Carranza are with him in spirit. At her sentencing, she said: "Every day I wish that Id made better choices. In the documentary, Martinez explains that he currently lives in El Salvador after being deported by ICE. The dismissal, says Contreras, was as wrong as what happened earlier. His memory has generated positive steps to save children. At least those people are going to do their part and I know that children have been saved due to his story," Contreras said. In Spanish, he can be heard saying: "They want me to plead guilty to something I haven't done. David maintains that this allegation is false, as did some members of Gabriel's family. Gabriel Fernandez: Who is Michael Lemos Carranza? His memory has generated positive steps to save children. The year after the death of Gabriel, Michael Lemos Carranza also died, though his cause of death at the age of 58 has not been publicly revealed. The Netflix documentary, "The Trials of Gabriel Fernandez", they watched it together. David maintains that this allegation is false, as did some members of Gabriel's family. She contemplated abortion on several occasions and would have gone through with it had her uncle had not convinced her to have the baby. 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. However, Pearl and Aguirre called Gabriel gay and hurt him for acting in manners that they considered. The Trials of Gabriel Fernandez is the harrowing six-part documentary series on Netflix about the case of Gabriel Fernandez. 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. We convinced her to have Gabriel and for her to give [the baby] to us so we [could] raise it.. The. As Garcia described Gabriel's progress in her class, Fernandez blurted out of nowhere, "I don't hit my kids." "Oh OK," said Garcia. 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 only lived with his mother for eight months of his life. Mourners have had questions. By the grace of a higher power, he convinced Pearl to . However, Pearl and Aguirre called Gabriel gay and hurt him for acting in manners that they considered feminine. One way or another," Contreras said. Fernandez left the hospital the day her youngest son was born, The Cinemaholic reveals. And if you don't, I think the public then should have the right to hold you criminally responsible," Hatami said. All rights reserved. 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. Early in his legal proceedings, Isauro was secretly recorded in jail talking to a clergyman and the tape was leaked to the press. 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). Express.co.ukhas everything you need to know. All rights reserved. This marked the start of the worst period of Gabriel's life. "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. Pearl Fernandez gave . 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. Children are still getting murdered. Elizabeth Carranza, Gabriel's. But despite the grandparents' plea, the defenceless boy was ultimately allowed to stay with Pearl and Isauro after they took him. The power for change, Hatami says, is reflected in a growing memorial. 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. 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.". Elizabeth Carranza says she contacted both the cops and social workers multiple times, worrying about Gabriel's safety. 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. After his death, it emerged that the Department of Children and Family Services had received. He and his wife adopted Gabriel's siblings, the walking wounded. Support Center Find answers to questions about products, access, use, setup, and administration. Ezekiel was 12 and Virginia was 10 when they witnessed the torture inflicted by their own mother Pearl Fernandez and her boyfriend Isauro Aguirre. RELATED: Palmdale woman, boyfriend sentenced in 8-year-old's torture killing. Im sorry to my children, and I want them to know that I love them. She also recalls seeing "cigarette marks like people had been putting cigarettes out on him". "I would show everybody that picture of Gabriel in the hospital. For other inquiries, Contact Us. They loved being with him and raising him, and Gabriel loved them both very much.. 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. But Gov. 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". PALMDALE, California -- This weekend marks seven years since parental child abuse took the life of 8-year-old Gabriel Fernandez. Send it to us! His cause of death is not known. You need to care.". But California's governor, citing his personal sense of morality, suspended all executions for as long as he's in office. They need somebody else to do it, but especially during this time. One way or another," Contreras said. She will never be released from prison. Car loads.". 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. 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. You see his pictures as a baby, he was always smiling. Aguirre was sentenced to death. Contreras received support he never imagined. Gavin Newsom, citing his personal sense of morality, suspended all executions for as long as he's in office. "I would show everybody that picture of Gabriel in the hospital. Im sorry to my children, and I want them to know that I love them.". Gabriel Fernandez was eight years old when he died, Pearl Fernandez was sentenced to life in prison without parole. "It's. "I know that those that have heard or seen his story. I feel like theyre with me to this moment, he said. "I would show everybody that picture of Gabriel in the hospital. 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. However, medical staff instantly realised it was much worse as they noticed injuries covering his entire body. Contreras says Aguirre deserves no mercy, and he says evidence backs him up. 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. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. "Unfortunately, I think this is something that's gonna affect them the rest of their lives. He didnt look like a child," she says. The head of DCFS says since Gabriel's death, the system has been overhauled. As always you can unsubscribe at any time. 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. "All those workers that came in, and therapists, why did they all believe her over the kid with the marks?". Gabriel Fernandez: Who is Gabriel Fernandezs biological father. We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you. 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. READ MOREGabriel Fernandez season 2 release date: Will there be another series? "Something brings it back in. 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.". 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. 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. [Michael Lemos Carranza and David Martinez] were both very good with him, Elizabeth Carranza, Fernandez great-aunt, said in the documentary. ", 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. In The Trials of Gabriel Fernandez, Pearl claimed to her parents she took Gabriel into her care as she wanted to bond with her son. Born on January 4, 1968, Carranza passed away on September 17, 2014, a little over a year after Gabriel's demise. This means that we may include adverts from us and third parties based on our knowledge of you. She said: He had a depressed skull fracture, meaning you could feel his skull You could feel the crepitus its almost like Rice Krispies, you could feel it crunching on his head. A new voice joined the outcry. But there's speculation that the note found was part of an unimaginably despicable plan to kill Gabriel and get away with it. Instead, she gave him to her uncle Carranza (Fernandezs great-uncle) and his partner, David Martinez. Gabriel's uncle Chris Contreras is breaking his silence. "They had the upper hand, I honestly believe to remove him and save him. However, this is a charge Martinez strenuously denies in the Netflix documentary, claiming that the investigation came out of the family's fears that Gabriel was gay. Later investigations revealed Rodriguez had never received information detailing previous allegations that Pearl Rodriguez had neglected her other children. Struggling through tears, she added that there was: "So much damage, and so many questions.". Gabriel Fernandez: Is Pearl Fernandez still in prison? She told filmmaker Brian Knappenberger: [Michael Lemos Carranza and David Martinez] were both very good with him. "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. Contreras received support he never imagined. Gabriel died in intensive care after being savagely beaten and tortured at his home in Palmdale, Los Angeles County, by Pearl Fernandez and her partner Isauro Aguirro. On September 13, 2018, a Los Angeles County judge denied a motion to dismiss felony child abuse and falsification of records charges against four former child welfare caseworkers in the 2013 death of eight-year-old Gabriel Fernandez. 2023 Vox Media, LLC. "How many people have named their children after Gabriel, my five year old son's middle name is Gabriel.". And there's momentum for "Gabriel's Law." 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