The social workers were there. She also recalls seeing "cigarette marks like people had been putting cigarettes out on 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. Facebook 8-Year-Old's Big Brother Details the Horrific Abuse He Suffered from Mom's Boyfriend Before His Death The day he was. When we got to the hospital the day before, he was still alive, and he was going to talk to me. Instead, they never got the chance. "It's. RELATED: Slain SoCal boy had BB lodged in his groin area, nurse testifies. The charges, filed in 2016, marked the first time Los Angeles caseworkers . Aguirre was found guilty of the same crime and was given the death penalty. But Contreras said a door opened recently. We were not allowed to see him, Martinez explained in the doc. 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. Mourners have had questions. 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. Mom of 2, stabbed 8 times, is making most of second chance at life, Whose leak is it anyway? But they didn't," said Carranza. Gabriel Fernandez was born to a mother, Pearl Fernandez, that didn't know how to love him. Speaking in the documentary, David Martinez explained how they came to raise Gabriel in the first place. She steered the conversation back to Gabriel's academics. But Prosecutor Jon Hatami believed Pearl took Gabriel into her custody so she could claim more welfare benefits. The Trials of Gabriel Fernandez is the harrowing six-part documentary series on Netflix about the case of Gabriel Fernandez. "All those workers that came in, and therapists, why did they all believe her over the kid with the marks?". I had never known pain before, until he passed away. 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. Gabri Car loads.". Notably, it was fears of Gabriel's potential homosexuality that were revealed as a direct cause of the abuse Gabriel faced, as revealed at the trial of one of his killers, Isauro Aguirre.. Those who knew Gabriel best talked to ABC7 about the boy. [EXPLAINER]Gabriel Fernandez: Who is Michael Lemos Carranza? 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. 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. A new voice joined the outcry. 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 To this day, Contreras said Gabriel's siblings don't let themselves have fun, no matter how much he tries. Meanwhile, his siblings described watching their brother being forced to eat cat litter and have cold baths while being pepper sprayed. Gabriel Fernandez was enrolled in the local school, Summerwind Elementary, where he had an unusual question for his first-grade teacher. All rights reserved. "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. Carranza slammed social services for their failings in a rally held days after Gabriel died. This service is provided on News Group Newspapers' Limited's Standard Terms and Conditions in accordance with our Privacy & Cookie Policy. At her sentencing, she said: "Every day I wish that Id made better choices. Gabriel Fernandez: Is Gabriel Fernandezs killer still alive? He and his wife adopted Gabriel's siblings, the walking wounded. The power for change, Hatami said, is reflected in a growing memorial. During the last eight months of . 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. The children testified about the bat, the BB guns, the box where Gabriel was confined, and accusations that he was gay. His cause of death is not known. Netflixs documentary The Trials of Gabriel Fernandez explained to true crime viewers that Carranza was the one raising Fernandez from birth. For him, it's personal. 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. "Unfortunately, I think this is something that's gonna affect them the rest of their lives. Elizabeth Carranza says she contacted both the cops and social workers multiple times, worrying about Gabriel's safety. He and his wife adopted Gabriel's siblings, the walking wounded. But they didn't," said Carranza. 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. "He was my baby," David said. The Trials of Gabriel Fernandez is the harrowing six-part documentary series on Netflix about the case of Gabriel Fernandez. She told filmmaker Brian Knappenberger: [Michael Lemos Carranza and David Martinez] were both very good with him. As seen in the Netflix documentary series, he was kept locked in a cupboard on numerous occasions and suffered unbelievable injuries. 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. 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. Instead, she gave him to her uncle Carranza (Fernandez's great-uncle) and his partner, David. "Something brings it back in. The series originally had included the Contreras family, but to allow more time for healing, Contreras requested that their part be taken out. We were not that type of parents. Copyright 2023 KABC Television, LLC. Instead, she gave him to her uncle Carranza (Fernandezs great-uncle) and his partner, David Martinez. Amid the toys and tender mementos, a call to save children before it is too late. By clicking Sign Up, you agree to our Terms and Conditions and that you have read our Privacy Policy. The dismissal, says Contreras, was as wrong as what happened earlier. The Trials of Gabriel Fernandez is streaming now on Netflix. "Unfortunately, I think this is something that's gonna affect them the rest of their lives. "It's all those emotions are there. Children are still getting tortured and this is after Gabriel," Hatami said. 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. For him, it's personal. ", 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. "As far as Canada, they come. One way or another," Contreras said. "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. Here are some of the mysteries about Gabriel's tragic story which still haven't been resolved. She will never be released from prison. Gabriel Fernandez season 2 release date: Will there be another series? You need to care.". 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. PALMDALE, California -- This weekend marks seven years since parental child abuse took the life of 8-year-old Gabriel Fernandez. It's all those emotions are there. The documentary alleged the couple looked after Gabriel until one day when they said Gabriel had been kidnapped by Isauro. They claimed to have never found strong enough signs of abuse in order to remove Gabriel from the house. During the trial of Isauro Aguirre, Robert testified that that one day his daughter took Gabriel and refused to bring him back. Born on January 4, 1968, Carranza passed away on September 17, 2014, a little over a year after Gabriel's demise. And there's momentum for "Gabriel's Law." After having Fernandez, his mom, Pearl, decided she wasnt the right person to raise him. The Netflix documentary, "The Trials of Gabriel Fernandez", they watched it together. It is not any easier," Contreras said. 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. It would give an officer on an abuse call a way to quickly check for DCFS history and alert the caseworker. Pearl pleaded guilty to first degree murder and was sentenced to life without parole. "They had the upper hand, I honestly believe to remove him and save him. In the doc, he says, "ICE got hold of me. But Contreras says a door opened recently. I don't know what the country's about at all. "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. The dismissal, says Contreras, was as wrong as what happened earlier. Tuchel was statesman-like during the most fraught period in Chelsea's recent history. Copyright 2023 KABC Television, LLC. 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. 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*****'". When Gabriel died, there was a Department of Child and Family Services investigation opened against Martinez and Carranza, looking into a claim that the pair had sexually abused Gabriel. The head of DCFS says since Gabriel's death, the system has been overhauled. In Netflixs documentary, Michaels partner David Martinez recalls: She didnt want him and the family didnt want her to have him. Express.co.ukhas everything you need to know. The. However, in 2009, Gabriel left the care of Michael and David and lived with his grandparents until 2012. More info. It is not any easier," Contreras said. 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). Living in a household gripped by fear. "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. We want to hear from you. 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. "I would show everybody that picture of Gabriel in the hospital. The recent Netflix documentary, "The Trials of Gabriel Fernandez". Every question put his way was handled with a blend of authority and empathy. DON'T MISSGabriel Fernandez: Is Gabriel Fernandezs killer still alive? "I know that those that have heard or seen his story. "What they did is almost as bad as what Pearl and Isauro did," he said. His memory has generated positive steps to save children. "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. Isauro, however, denied the charge, and was ultimately sentenced to death in 2018 he's now on death row. PALMDALE, Calif. (KABC) -- This weekend marks seven years since parental child abuse took the life of 8-year-old Gabriel Fernandez. Amid the toys and tender mementos, a call to save children before it is too late. 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. Gabriel's teacher Jennifer Garcia reported signs of abuse to Rodriguez, according to court records. Your guess is just as good as mine. A fractured skull, broken ribs and BB pellets in his skin. "Something brings it back in. Relatives who loved him and cared for him. 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. Im sorry to my children, and I want them to know that I love them.". My Research and Language Selection Sign into My Research Create My Research Account English; Help and support. In the autumn of 2013 his great uncle led a memorial mass at a Los Angeles church. Tragically, Gabriel Fernandez's death was entirely preventable. In 2018 Gabriel's mother Pearl pleaded guilty to first-degree murder and sentenced to life in prison without parole. Early in his legal proceedings, Isauro was secretly recorded in jail talking to a clergyman and the tape was leaked to the press. They need somebody else to do it, but especially during this time. "There were rumours that he [Gabriel] was gay, and it's like, 'no, my baby's not gay. And there's momentum for "Gabriel's Law." Unfortunately, they were his last eight months. They loved being with him and raising him, and Gabriel loved them both very much.. RELATED: Slain SoCal boy pepper-sprayed in face, forced to eat cat feces, brother testifies. They need somebody else to do it, but especially during this time. Gabriel's memory in the household is so painful, they avoid it. Fernandez lived with Robert and Sandra until he was 7, at which point Pearl and Aguirre took him back. In Touch Weekly has affiliate partnerships so we may receive compensation for some links to products and services. Gabriel was first given to his great uncles, Michael Lemos Carranza and his partner David Martinez, where he spent around four years. 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"I just remember that night thinking, I just cant I just cant wrap my head around how it got to this. 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. He takes aim at the Department of Children and Family Services. Instead, the little boy was left to suffer and die at the hands of his own caregivers, as the city of Los Angeles turned a blind eye. Following this, Martinez was deported by Immigrations and Customs Enforcement (ICE) back to his native El Salvador. 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. Seven years later, his story has traveled worldwide. Garcia intentionally left the door open because she was concerned about being alone with Pearl Fernandez. It's all those emotions are there. 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. In an interview with ABC7, Contreras finally broke his silence, to mark the seven years since Gabriel's deaeth. Car loads.". Martinez, who was featured in the documentary, explained, She didnt want him and the family didnt want her to have him. 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.. [Michael Lemos Carranza and David Martinez] were both very good with him, Elizabeth Carranza, Fernandez great-aunt, said in the documentary. "They need somebody else to do it, but especially during this time. In the new Netflix documentary series about his shocking case, The Trials of Gabriel Fernandez, the horrific facts of his torment are laid bare. This weekend marks seven years since parental child abuse took the life of 8-year-old Gabriel Fernandez. By the grace of a higher power, he convinced Pearl to . The proposal is pushed by Gabriel's cousin Emily Carranza who pins blame on Gabriel's social workers. 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. Though he was afraid to return to the country after 38 years away, he feels that Fernandez and Carranza are with him in spirit. All Rights Reserved. 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. Gabriel Fernandez: Who is Michael Lemos Carranza? At least those people are going to do their part and I know that children have been saved due to his story," Contreras said. 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