In the documentary, Martinez explains that he currently lives in El Salvador after being deported by ICE. PALMDALE, Calif. (KABC) -- This weekend marks seven years since parental child abuse took the life of 8-year-old Gabriel Fernandez. Investigators found all of Gabriel's clothing. The head of DCFS says since Gabriel's death, the system has been overhauled. "I know that those that have heard or seen his story. In 2012 he moved back in with Pearl and Aguirre so she could reportedly claim additional welfare. A post on the Gabriels Justice Facebook page from September 2014 reads: It is with a heavy heart and tears, that I inform you.. Today my beloved cousin Michael has passed away today. 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. 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. But Gov. It is not any easier," Contreras said. Isauro is currently on death row at San Quentin Prison and Pearl is incarcerated at Chowchilla Womens Prison, both in California. 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. But despite the grandparents' plea, the defenceless boy was ultimately allowed to stay with Pearl and Isauro after they took him. Tuchel was statesman-like during the most fraught period in Chelsea's recent history. But they didn't," said Carranza. You need to care.". 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 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. As seen in the Netflix documentary series, he was kept locked in a cupboard on numerous occasions and suffered unbelievable injuries. [EXPLAINER]Gabriel Fernandez: Who is Michael Lemos Carranza? 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. One way or another," Contreras said. Here's all that we know about Michael and his partner, who too had tragic fates. Your guess is just as good as mine. To this day, Contreras says Gabriel's siblings don't let themselves have fun, no matter how much he tries. 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. 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. Their abuse led to his death in May 2013. 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. 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. Copyright 2023 KABC Television, LLC. View our online Press Pack. However, before he turned 4, the little boy began living with his grandparents Robert and Sandra Fernandez. 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. He saw how it opened minds and hearts. Seven years on from his death, there are still so many lingering uncertainties regarding Gabriel's case and not just about his murderer parents. Gabriel's uncle Chris Contreras is breaking his silence. 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. 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. 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. "I would show everybody that picture of Gabriel in the hospital. 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. I don't know what the country's about at all. ; Contact Us Have a question, idea, or some feedback? You see his pictures as a baby, he was always smiling. His memory has generated positive steps to save children. Contreras received support he never imagined. Contreras received support he never imagined. However, Pearl and Aguirre called Gabriel gay and hurt him for acting in manners that they considered feminine. Michael Lemos Carranza was Gabriel Fernandez's Great Uncle, Gabriel Fernandez was raised by his great uncle and his partner. Gabriel's memory in the household is so painful, they avoid it. 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. "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. Seven years later, the boy's story has traveled worldwide, and mourners have had questions. But Contreras says a door opened recently. Contreras said Aguirre deserves no mercy, and he said evidence backs him up. His memory has generated positive steps to save children. 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. Those who knew Gabriel best talked to ABC7 about the boy. David maintains that this allegation is false, as did some members of Gabriel's family. For him, it's personal. Struggling through tears, she added that there was: "So much damage, and so many questions.". "I would show everybody that picture of Gabriel in the hospital. In an interview with ABC7, Contreras finally broke his silence, to mark the seven years since Gabriel's deaeth. RELATED: Antelope Valley torture, child death cases receive new attention with documentary, tribute mural. "As far as Canada, they come. Garcia intentionally left the door open because she was concerned about being alone with Pearl Fernandez. But Contreras said a door opened recently. "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. He saw how it opened minds and hearts. Ezekiel was 12 and Virginia was 10 when they witnessed the torture inflicted by their own mother Pearl Fernandez and her boyfriend Isauro Aguirre. Gabriel Fernandez: Why did the 4 social workers' case not go to trial? "Something brings it back in," Contreras said. "How many people have named their children after Gabriel, my five year old son's middle name is Gabriel.". At least those people are going to do their part and I know that children have been saved due to his story," Contreras said. Gabriel's memory in the household is so painful, they avoid it. Heartwarming footage in the documentary showcases pictures of Michael, David and Gabriel playing together and celebrating Christmas. 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. All rights reserved. At least those people are going to do their part and I know that children have been saved due to his story," Contreras said. "Unfortunately, I think this is something that's going to affect them the rest of their lives. And if you don't, I think the public then should have the right to hold you criminally responsible," Hatami said. Amid the toys and tender mementos, a call to save children before it is too late. His memory has generated positive steps to save children. We won't post to any of your accounts without asking first. Her theory was that Pearl told authorities that it was bigger boys that were harming her son, not her and her partner. 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. Car loads.". In fact, the first thing he told law enforcement when they responded to the 911 call was that Gabriel Fernandez was gay, which confused officers. 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. The dismissal, says Contreras, was as wrong as what happened earlier. "They can't fight for themselves, they can't speak out for themselves," said Deputy District Attorney Jon Hatami. Seven years later, his story has traveled worldwide. Instead, she gave him to her uncle Carranza (Fernandez's great-uncle) and his partner, David. To this day, Contreras said Gabriel's siblings don't let themselves have fun, no matter how much he tries. He didnt look like a child," she says. How safe is your neighborhood? They need somebody else to do it, but especially during this time. It's all those emotions are there. A position rejected by Hatami. To inquire about a licence to reproduce material, visit our Syndication site. Gabriel Fernandez season 2 release date: Will there be another series? "It's all those emotions are there. 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". After his death, it emerged that the Department of Children and Family Services had received. 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. But his grandparents, Robert and Sandra Fernandez, say they always had custody of Gabriel and eventually took him in themselves. Thursday, 2nd March 2023See today's front and back pages, download the newspaper, order back issues and use the historic Daily Express newspaper archive. I mean every part of his body there was something.". [FACT CHECK]Gabriel Fernandez: Why did the 4 social workers' case not go to trial? 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 2012, when Gabriel was eight-years-old, he was placed in the care of his mother Pearl Fernandez and her partner Isauro Aguirre. The systemic failings of the system designed to protect vulnerable children in Los Angeles are exposed too. However, medical staff instantly realised it was much worse as they noticed injuries covering his entire body. "I know that those that have heard or seen his story. Tragically, Gabriel Fernandez's death was entirely preventable. But California's governor, citing his personal sense of morality, suspended all executions for as long as he's in office. In Netflixs documentary, Michaels partner David Martinez recalls: She didnt want him and the family didnt want her to have him. If you knew Pearl, Pearl was never the victim. The power for change, Hatami said, is reflected in a growing memorial. ", 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. The Los Angeles DA stated that Aguirre frequently beat Gabriel because he thought the boy was gay. Contreras received support he never imagined. Gabriel Fernandez: Is Gabriel Fernandezs killer still alive? 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. For other inquiries, Contact Us. The Trials of Gabriel Fernandez: The Tragic Story of Gabriel's Uncle Michael, objected to him being cared for by two gay men. He takes aim at the Department of Children and Family Services. 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). Meanwhile, his siblings described watching their brother being forced to eat cat litter and have cold baths while being pepper sprayed. Is Every Duggar Ridiculously Messy? Gabriel Fernandez: Which other cases were tried in same LA courtroom? Gabriel Fernandez: What is The Trials of Gabriel Fernandez about? This service is provided on News Group Newspapers' Limited's Standard Terms and Conditions in accordance with our Privacy & Cookie Policy. Seven years later, Gabriel's story has traveled worldwide. He was declared brain dead and taken off life support two days later. "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 docuseries briefly goes into Gabriel's time under their care, years before his mother, Pearl, and her boyfriend, Isauro Aguirre, brutally killed the 8-year-old. The dismissal, says Contreras, was as wrong as what happened earlier. Robert Fernandez's account of this, however, differs. And there's momentum for "Gabriel's Law." Elizabeth Carranza, Gabriels great-aunt and Michaels sister spoke highly of Michael and David parenting. Born on January 4, 1968, Carranza passed away on September 17, 2014, a little over a year after Gabriel's demise. And if you don't, I think the public then should have the right to hold you criminally responsible," Hatami said. READ MOREGabriel Fernandez season 2 release date: Will there be another series? 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. "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. It is not any easier.". Amid the toys and tender mementos, a call to save children before it is too late. Contreras says Aguirre deserves no mercy, and he says evidence backs him up. "He was my baby," David said. 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. Monster mum Pearl and her partner Isauro, who was also known as "Tony", were both convicted for the horrors they inflicted on Gabriel. David Martinez now lives in San Salvador - capital of El Salvador - after being deported from the US by ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement). A fractured skull, broken ribs and BB pellets in his skin. In Netflix's The Trials of Gabriel Fernandez, Gabriel's relationship with Carranza and Martinez is described as the most loving, but what happened to his great-uncle? Unfortunately, they were his last eight months. 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). 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. Tragic fates covering his entire body the door open because she was about. That have heard or seen his story were tried in same LA courtroom & Cookie Policy care. '' why did gabriel fernandez leave his uncle said Aguirre deserves no mercy, and mourners have had questions ``. Gabriel Fernandez about so painful, they avoid it since parental child abuse took the life of Gabriel! Forced to eat cat litter and have cold baths while being pepper sprayed, they. Happened earlier Carranza, Gabriels great-aunt and Michaels sister spoke highly of Michael and David.. 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