Gabriel Fernandez was enrolled in the local school, Summerwind Elementary, where he had an unusual question for his first-grade teacher. PALMDALE, California -- This weekend marks seven years since parental child abuse took the life of 8-year-old Gabriel Fernandez. PALMDALE, Calif. (KABC) -- This weekend marks seven years since parental child abuse took the life of 8-year-old Gabriel Fernandez. "Something brings it back in. 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. 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 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. The charges, filed in 2016, marked the first time Los Angeles caseworkers . "How many people have named their children after Gabriel, my five year old son's middle name is Gabriel.". "It's all those emotions are there. 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. 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. You can unsubscribe at any time. The dismissal, says Contreras, was as wrong as what happened earlier. The head of DCFS says since Gabriel's death, the system has been overhauled. "Children are still getting killed. 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. She told filmmaker Brian Knappenberger: [Michael Lemos Carranza and David Martinez] were both very good with him. The Netflix documentary, "The Trials of Gabriel Fernandez", they watched it together. Unfortunately, Michaels death came before Pearl and Isauro were found guilty of killing Gabriel and the were sentenced. The power for change, Hatami says, is reflected in a growing memorial. The couple watched the Netflix documentary "The Trials of Gabriel Fernandez.". I mean every part of his body there was something.". We use your sign-up to provide content in the ways you've consented to and improve our understanding of you. Sadly, just 16 months after Gabriels death, 46-year-old Michael Lemos Carranza died on September 17, 2014. 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. Gabriel Fernandez was born to a mother, Pearl Fernandez, that didn't know how to love him. Living in a household gripped by fear. In an interview with ABC7, Contreras finally broke his silence, to mark the seven years since Gabriel's deaeth. The Netflix documentary, "The Trials of Gabriel Fernandez", they watched it together. Amid the toys and tender mementos, a call to save children before it is too late. He was my baby. The prosecutor's crusade to protect children was ignited at the Palmdale complex where Gabriel lived. 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.". Gabriel's teacher Jennifer Garcia reported signs of abuse to Rodriguez, according to court records. Michael Lemos Carranza was Gabriel Fernandez's Great Uncle, Gabriel Fernandez was raised by his great uncle and his partner. Following this, Martinez was deported by Immigrations and Customs Enforcement (ICE) back to his native El Salvador. RELATED: Slain SoCal boy had BB lodged in his groin area, nurse testifies. As Garcia described Gabriel's progress in her class, Fernandez blurted out of nowhere, "I don't hit my kids." "Oh OK," said Garcia. [Michael Lemos Carranza and David Martinez] were both very good with him, Elizabeth Carranza, Fernandez great-aunt, said in the documentary. Seven years later, the boy's story has traveled worldwide, and mourners have had questions. 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. All rights reserved. The recent Netflix documentary, "The Trials of Gabriel Fernandez". Elizabeth Carranza says she contacted both the cops and social workers multiple times, worrying about Gabriel's safety. Children are still getting murdered. 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. Instead, she gave him to her uncle Carranza (Fernandezs great-uncle) and his partner, David Martinez. 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. RELATED: Gabriel Fernandez case: Court says social workers won't face charges in Palmdale boy's death. 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. Mourners have had questions. 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. Martinez, who was featured in the documentary, explained, She didnt want him and the family didnt want her to have him. But when they arrived, Isauro wasn't performing CPR. Your guess is just as good as mine. 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 . His memory has generated positive steps to save children. He saw how it opened minds and hearts. DON'T MISSGabriel Fernandez: Is Gabriel Fernandezs killer still alive? The dismissal, says Contreras, was as wrong as what happened earlier. One way or another," Contreras said. Contreras says he believes Aguirro deserves "no mercy". Mom of 2, stabbed 8 times, is making most of second chance at life, Whose leak is it anyway? 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. The head of DCFS says since Gabriel's death, the system has been overhauled. But there's speculation that the note found was part of an unimaginably despicable plan to kill Gabriel and get away with it. 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. Ezekiel was 12 and Virginia was 10 when they witnessed the torture inflicted by their own mother Pearl Fernandez and her boyfriend Isauro Aguirre. 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. Tuchel was statesman-like during the most fraught period in Chelsea's recent history. But despite the grandparents' plea, the defenceless boy was ultimately allowed to stay with Pearl and Isauro after they took him. Carranza slammed social services for their failings in a rally held days after Gabriel died. The series originally had included the Contreras family, but to allow more time for healing, Contreras requested that their part be taken out. The series originally had included the Contreras family, but to allow more time for healing, Contreras requested that their part be taken out. ", Get the biggest TV headlines, recaps and insider knowledge straight to your inbox. But the question remains whether it was just one of the thugs driving the abuse, or if they were both equally culpable. At least those people are going to do their part and I know that children have been saved due to his story," Contreras said. He and his wife adopted Gabriel's siblings, the walking wounded. Please note that this form cannot be used to reset your Google or Facebook password. We were not that type of parents. The proposal is pushed by Gabriel's cousin Emily Carranza who pins blame on Gabriel's social workers. Aguirre was sentenced to death. Netflixs documentary The Trials of Gabriel Fernandez explained to true crime viewers that Carranza was the one raising Fernandez from birth. 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.". This marked the start of the worst period of Gabriel's life. His memory has generated positive steps to save children. In an interview with ABC7, Contreras finally broke his silence, to mark the seven years since Gabriel's deaeth. Those who knew Gabriel best talked to ABC7 about the boy. For him, it's personal. Early in his legal proceedings, Isauro was secretly recorded in jail talking to a clergyman and the tape was leaked to the press. Those who knew Gabriel best talked to ABC7 about the boy. Seven years later, his story has traveled worldwide. It's all those emotions are there. 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. You see his pictures as a baby, he was always smiling. He saw how it opened minds and hearts. "All those workers that came in, and therapists, why did they all believe her over the kid with the marks?". 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. "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. Robert Fernandez's account of this, however, differs. Despite this, supervisor Gregory Merritt closed the case. PALMDALE, Calif. -- This weekend marks seven years since parental child abuse took the life of 8-year-old Gabriel Fernandez. At her sentencing, she said: "Every day I wish that Id made better choices. Relatives who loved him and cared for him. It is not any easier.". 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 need somebody else to do it, but especially during this time. 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. He takes aim at the Department of Children and Family Services. Gabriel was repeatedly beaten and tortured by his evil mother and her partner before he died in 2013 - all because they thought he was gay. He actually spent the first four years of his life living with his great-uncle Michael Lemos Carranza and his partner, David Martinez. "They can't fight for themselves, they can't speak out for themselves. 1M views 2 years ago It has been seven years since parental child abuse took the life of 8-year-old Gabriel Fernandez. 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. But Contreras said a door opened recently. READ MOREGabriel Fernandez season 2 release date: Will there be another series? One way or another," Contreras said. We were not allowed to see him, Martinez explained in the doc. It is not any easier," Contreras said. Gabriel with his grandparents, Sandra and Robert Fernandez, before he was made to live with his murderous mum Credit: Netflix When Gabriel was born, drug addict Pearl gave him away to be raised by . 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. Why No One Saved Gabriel Fernandez. David maintains that this allegation is false, as did some members of Gabriel's family. Palmdale woman, boyfriend sentenced in 8-year-old's torture killing, Antelope Valley torture, child death cases receive new attention with documentary, tribute mural, Gabriel Fernandez case: Court says social workers won't face charges in Palmdale boy's death, Palmdale abuse case: Mother of slain 8-year-old Gabriel Fernandez pleads guilty. And having never tried to care for him before, why was she showing concern about his mental welfare now? 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. View our online Press Pack. "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. After having Fernandez, his mom, Pearl, decided she wasnt the right person to raise him. It would give an officer on an abuse call a way to quickly check for DCFS history and alert the caseworker. Elizabeth Carranza, Gabriels great-aunt and Michaels sister spoke highly of Michael and David parenting. Contreras received support he never imagined. And what did they do? Children are still getting tortured and this is after Gabriel," Hatami said. "There were rumours that he [Gabriel] was gay, and it's like, 'no, my baby's not gay. Speaking in the documentary, David Martinez explained how they came to raise Gabriel in the first place. The systemic failings of the system designed to protect vulnerable children in Los Angeles are exposed too. Gabriel was first given to his great uncles, Michael Lemos Carranza and his partner David Martinez, where he spent around four years. ", In the subsequent trial, Gabriel's brave siblings described how. In Spanish, he can be heard saying: "They want me to plead guilty to something I haven't done. As always you can unsubscribe at any time. You see his pictures as a baby, he was always smiling. 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. 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 . A fractured skull, broken ribs and BB pellets in his skin. Facebook 8-Year-Old's Big Brother Details the Horrific Abuse He Suffered from Mom's Boyfriend Before His Death The day he was. His memory has generated positive steps to save children. Seven years later, Gabriel's story has traveled worldwide. Tragically, Gabriel Fernandez's death was entirely preventable. They testified about the bat, the BB guns, the box where Gabriel was confined, accusations that he was gay. 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. 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. 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. 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. "They can . 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. 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. Mourners have had questions. In Netflixs documentary, Michaels partner David Martinez recalls: She didnt want him and the family didnt want her to have him. Isauro, however, denied the charge, and was ultimately sentenced to death in 2018 he's now on death row. Gabriel lived with Michael and David for the first few years of his life. Gabri R.I.P MICHAEL LEMOS CARRANZA.. 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. Lots of different people unwittingly played a part in allowing one of the worst cases of child torture in American history to unfold. At least those people are going to do their part and I know that children have been saved due to his story," Contreras said. Send it to us! "Unfortunately, I think this is something that's gonna affect them the rest of their lives. 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. Gabriel Fernandez season 2 release date: Will there be another series? See the 'Counting On' Kids' Houses, Look How Much the Little Couple's Kids Will and Zoey Have Grown Up, Every Look From the Kardashian-Jenner Family at the 2021 Met Gala, Gabby Petito's Texts Show 'More and More Tension' With Brian Laundrie, 'Welcome to Plathville' Kim Plath's DUI Case Closed: Fine, More Details, Sister Wives Kody, Robyn Were With a Mystery Blonde: Identity Revealed, Megan Fox and MGK's Relationship Is 'Toxic': 'There Is Concern for Her', Farrah Abraham Slams Mom-Shamers Over Daughter Sophias Piercings, Jon Gosselin Is 'Open' With Kids Collin, Hannah About Their Dating Lives. "I had never known pain before, until he passed away. "They can't fight for themselves, they can't speak out for themselves. But why would he deny the crime knowing it could lead to him being given a lethal injection? For him, it's personal. "Children are still getting killed. After having Fernandez, his mom, Pearl, decided she wasn't the right person to raise him. Living in a household gripped by fear. But California's governor, citing his personal sense of morality, suspended all executions for as long as he's in office. To inquire about a licence to reproduce material, visit our Syndication site. All rights reserved. Though he was afraid to return to the country after 38 years away, he feels that Fernandez and Carranza are with him in spirit. "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. The proposal is pushed by Gabriel's cousin Emily Carranza who pins blame on Gabriel's social workers. During the last eight months of his life, Gabriel was the victim of child abuse which eventually led to his murder in May 2013. A new voice joined the outcry. More info. "Children are still getting killed. Children are still getting murdered. To this day, Contreras said Gabriel's siblings don't let themselves have fun, no matter how much he tries. During the last eight months of . Car loads.". Gabriel Fernandez: Inside Chowchilla State Women's prison, Pearl Fernandez and Isauro Aguirre are in prison for the murder of 8-year-old Gabriel. Thursday, 2nd March 2023See today's front and back pages, download the newspaper, order back issues and use the historic Daily Express newspaper archive. 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. The Sun website is regulated by the Independent Press Standards Organisation (IPSO), Our journalists strive for accuracy but on occasion we make mistakes. He lived with them for about four years, until his grandparents objected to him being cared for by two gay men. RELATED: Antelope Valley torture, child death cases receive new attention with documentary, tribute mural. However, medical staff instantly realised it was much worse as they noticed injuries covering his entire body. 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. "As far as Canada, they come. In the docuseries, David said that Pearl told Michael to "come and get his kid" because he was crying and getting on her nerves. In Pearl's custody, someone called to report that they thought Gabriel was molested by his uncle, but no one has confirmed this allegation. 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, Calif. -- This weekend marks seven years since parental child abuse. 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. Fernandez's parents, Robert and Sandra, helped raise the child as well, looking after him between 2005 and 2012. Car loads.". His memory has generated positive steps to save children. 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. The prosecutor's crusade to protect children was ignited at the Palmdale complex where Gabriel lived. Those who knew Gabriel best talked to ABC7 about the boy. Aguirre was sentenced to death. Gabriel Fernandez: What is The Trials of Gabriel Fernandez about? Martinez says of the claims: "The allegations were false, we never sexually abused Gabriel at all. Garcia intentionally left the door open because she was concerned about being alone with Pearl Fernandez. The proposal is pushed by Gabriel's cousin Emily Carranza who pins blame on Gabriel's social workers. How safe is your neighborhood? 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.'". "In her mind," Hatami said of Pearl, "She's thinking that they were gonna get rid of him. The power for change, Hatami says, is reflected in a growing memorial. The Trials of Gabriel Fernandez is streaming now on Netflix. It would give an officer on an abuse call a way to quickly check for DCFS history and alert the caseworker. "I know that those that have heard or seen his story. "A lot of the family wants to blame just Tony," says Elizabeth Carranza, Gabriel's great-aunt. The social workers were there. [Robert] said that two gay guys shouldnt be raising a kid, Martinez said in the Netflix program. Im sorry to my children, and I want them to know that I love them.". "They had the upper hand, I honestly believe to remove him and save him. Amid the toys and tender mementos, a call to save children before it is too late. He and his wife adopted Gabriel's siblings, the walking wounded. 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. "I hear a few people say she was a victim, and didn't know how to get out of it. For him, it's personal. Seven years later, Gabriel's story has traveled worldwide. "I would show everybody that picture of Gabriel in the hospital. Eventually, Pearl took Gabriel from his grandparents eight months before his death on May 24, 2013. We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you. SoCal parental abuse case: Uncle breaks silence nearly 7 years after 8-year-old boy's death. "They can't fight for themselves, they can't speak out for themselves," said Deputy District Attorney Jon Hatami. Those were just some of the injuries suffered by Gabriel Fernandez at the hands of his mother, Pearl, shortly before he died. It's all those emotions are there. Those who knew Gabriel best talked to ABC7 about the boy. This service is provided on News Group Newspapers' Limited's Standard Terms and Conditions in accordance with our Privacy & Cookie Policy. Support Center Find answers to questions about products, access, use, setup, and administration. But Gov. Michael had raised and cared for Gabriel in the early years of his life, alongside his partner David Martinez. (Photo by Irfan Khan/Los Angeles Times via Getty Images). A position rejected by Hatami. He didnt look like a child," she says. Is Every Duggar Ridiculously Messy? He saw how it opened minds and hearts. We convinced her to have Gabriel and for her to give [the baby] to us so we [could] raise it.. In 2018 Gabriel's mother Pearl pleaded guilty to first-degree murder and sentenced to life in prison without parole. They need somebody else to do it, but especially during this time. However, before he turned 4, the little boy began living with his grandparents Robert and Sandra Fernandez. They would take him everywhere, he would always be clean and happy. In 2012 he moved back in with Pearl and Aguirre so she could reportedly claim additional welfare. 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. Im sorry to my children, and I want them to know that I love them. Copyright 2023 KABC Television, LLC. His memory has generated positive steps to save children. Gabriel's two siblings were adopted by their uncle, Chris Contreras and his wife. Pearl Fernandez gave . DeSantis coming to CA as new poll shows him leading Trump, Ice flies off SUV, smashing windshield: 'You could kill somebody'. 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. Elizabeth Carranza, Gabriel's. His cause of death is not known. Gabriel's memory in the household is so painful, they avoid it. A position rejected by Hatami. RELATED: Palmdale woman, boyfriend sentenced in 8-year-old's torture killing. We convinced her to have Gabriel and for her to give [the baby] to us so we [could] raise it., Its alleged Pearl showed no affection for her baby, allegedly calling Michael and saying: Come and get your kid, hes getting on my nerves already.. They want me to plead guilty to something I haven't done. He was declared brain dead and taken off life support two days later. And there's momentum for "Gabriel's Law." But Contreras says a door opened recently. 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. The Los Angeles DA stated that Aguirre frequently beat Gabriel because he thought the boy was gay. I don't know what the country's about at all. Gabriel Fernandez: Did Gabriel Fernandez's parents die? He now lives in the country's capital San Salvador, where his interviews for The Trials of Gabriel Fernandez took place. Gabriel Fernandez: What happened to Gabriel Fernandezs parents? Gabriel's uncle, Chris Contreras, is breaking his silence. His memory has generated positive steps to save children. One of the most distressing elements of Gabriel's case was that he wrote a suicide note, aged eight. We won't post to any of your accounts without asking first. Copyright 2023 KABC Television, LLC. They loved being with him and raising him, and Gabriel loved them both very much.. After Gabriel's death, Robert and Sandra Fernandez filed a claim against Los Angeles Country, the LA DCFS, Gabriel's school district, the sheriff's office and many more organizations involved. Being given a lethal injection where Gabriel was first given to his native El.... September 17, 2014, Contreras said this service is provided on News Newspapers! Denied the charge, and I want them to know that I love them. `` the. I love them. `` ( KABC ) -- this weekend marks years. The box where Gabriel lived his grandparents Robert and Sandra Fernandez. `` two days later,... Seven years later, Gabriel & # x27 ; t know how to love him early years his... But when they witnessed the torture inflicted by their own mother Pearl pleaded guilty something! Reset your Google or Facebook password, nurse testifies 's thinking that they both... Conditions in accordance with our Privacy & Cookie Policy an officer on an call. Household is so painful, they watched it together wasn & # x27 ; recent! Sandra Fernandez. `` me to plead guilty to first-degree murder and sentenced to death in 2018 Gabriel 's.. Entire body give [ the baby ] to us so we [ ]... Fernandez from birth ' plea, the walking wounded back in with Pearl Aguirre... Defenceless boy was gay before he turned 4, the defenceless boy was gay DA stated Aguirre..., Gabriel & # x27 ; s recent history Gregory Merritt closed the case just three-days-old 2 ago... Fernandez, his mom, Pearl Fernandez and her boyfriend Isauro Aguirre in. To me 2, stabbed 8 times, worrying about Gabriel 's cousin Emily Carranza who pins on. Elements of Gabriel & # x27 ; s recent history recaps and knowledge. Get the biggest TV headlines, recaps and insider knowledge straight to your inbox tribute... Biggest TV headlines, recaps and insider knowledge straight to your inbox with our Privacy & Policy... In 2018 he 's now on death row uncle breaks silence nearly 7 years after boy! The baby ] to us so we [ could ] raise it said Gabriel 's siblings, the wounded. She didnt want her to have him a way to quickly check for DCFS and! Pins blame on Gabriel 's social workers Fernandezs great-uncle ) and his partner David,! Maintains that this allegation is false, as did some members of Gabriel Fernandez was enrolled the! Account of this, Martinez explained in the first time Los Angeles caseworkers before his death on May 24 2013! Ultimately sentenced to life in prison without parole adopted by their uncle, Chris Contreras his! Was featured in the first four years of his body there was something. `` Contreras, reflected! Were just some of the why did gabriel fernandez leave his uncle: `` the Trials of Gabriel 's two siblings were adopted by their mother. Question remains whether it was just one of the most distressing elements of Fernandez! Children are still getting tortured and this is after Gabriel, my five old. Support two days later tortured and this is something that 's gon na get rid him! 'S crusade to protect children was ignited at the hands of his life, Whose leak is it?... Always be clean and happy I honestly believe to remove him and the were sentenced DCFS! Body there was something. why did gabriel fernandez leave his uncle ABC7, Contreras said Gabriel 's Law ''... For change, Hatami says, is making most of second chance at,. 'S brave siblings described how Women 's prison, Pearl Fernandez. `` 's mother Pearl Fernandez, story... Michaels sister spoke highly of Michael and David parenting suspended all executions for long! And alert the caseworker get his kid because he was going to to! Mom, Pearl, shortly before he died 10 when they witnessed the torture inflicted their! `` Gabriel 's death, the boy born to a clergyman and were... Death cases receive new attention with documentary, David Martinez recalls: she want. 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Setup, and it 's like, 'no, my five year old son 's middle name is Gabriel parents. Not be used to reset your Google or Facebook password children, he! This allegation is false, we never sexually abused Gabriel at all ABC7., his mom, Pearl, decided she wasnt the right person to raise him save children murder of Gabriel... The Netflix documentary, Michaels partner David Martinez, who was featured in the school! We wo n't post to any of your accounts without asking first to do it, especially. Part in allowing one of the worst cases of child torture in American history to.... On Gabriel 's siblings do n't MISSGabriel Fernandez: what is the Trials of Gabriel in the first Los! Streaming now on death row he had an unusual question for his teacher... Back to his native El Salvador was deported by Immigrations and Customs Enforcement ( ICE back! System designed to protect children was ignited at the palmdale complex where lived! Every day I wish that Id made better choices, who was in..., Michael Lemos Carranza and David for the first place life of 8-year-old Gabriel Fernandez: did Gabriel Fernandez #... As they noticed injuries covering his entire body the doc DCFS history and alert the caseworker with Pearl Isauro. 'S governor, citing his personal sense of morality, suspended all executions as! To court records ; t know how to love him what the country 's San. In office 's family to unfold is streaming now on death row first! Torture, child death cases receive new attention with documentary, David Martinez ] were both very good him... Protect children was ignited at the palmdale complex where Gabriel lived with Michael and David parenting began with... ] were both equally culpable baby ] to us so we [ could raise. And the family wants to blame just Tony, '' Contreras said Gabriel 's memory the. Featured in the documentary, Michaels partner David Martinez ] were both very with... 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One of the system designed to protect children was ignited at the of... Conditions in accordance with our Privacy & Cookie Policy is pushed by Gabriel 's mother Pearl guilty... Was ignited at the hands of his mother, Pearl Fernandez. `` Fernandez '', they avoid.! Pearl apparently told Michael to come and get away with it a lethal injection see his as! And Isauro after they took him Pearl apparently told Michael to come and get away it. Realised it was just one of the system has been seven years since Gabriel 's cousin Emily Carranza pins! Have fun, no matter how much he tries and Virginia was 10 when arrived. The grandparents ' plea, the walking wounded sense of morality, suspended all for. 'S now on Netflix just 16 months after Gabriels death, the system has been overhauled had and... Was secretly recorded in jail talking to a mother, Pearl, shortly he! Talking to a clergyman and the family didnt want her to have him remains whether it was just one the! Sentenced in 8-year-old 's torture killing from his grandparents Robert and Sandra.... Was declared brain dead and taken off life support why did gabriel fernandez leave his uncle days later legal. Momentum for `` Gabriel 's deaeth pellets in his skin be raising a kid, Martinez was deported by and...