He saw how it opened minds and hearts. They loved being with him and raising him, and Gabriel loved them both very much.. We were not allowed to see him, Martinez explained in the doc. Children are still getting murdered. It would give an officer on an abuse call a way to quickly check for DCFS history and alert the caseworker. Copyright 2023 KABC Television, LLC. David currently resides in San Salvador, where he was interviewed for the docuseries. However, before he turned 4, the little boy began living with his grandparents Robert and Sandra Fernandez. I haven't been here [San Salvador] for 38 years. Sadly, just 16 months after Gabriels death, 46-year-old Michael Lemos Carranza died on September 17, 2014. Why No One Saved Gabriel Fernandez. Cagle was not available to answer follow up questions about two more recent DCFS death cases, also in Antelope Valley: Anthony Avalos and Noah Cuatro. They wanted to prove he performed CPR as the boy was dying. We convinced herto give him to uswe picked Gabriel up from the hospital when he was three days old. 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. You see his pictures as a baby, he was always smiling. Fernandez lived with Robert and Sandra until he was 7, at which point Pearl and Aguirre took him back. "When her and Tony would fight, she was the abusive one to him.". Gabriel's memory in the household is so painful, they avoid it. Those who knew Gabriel best talked to ABC7 about the boy. Netflix's The Trial of Gabriel Fernandez has horrified viewers with the cruelty inflicted on the eight-year-old by his mother and her boyfriend. Amid the toys and tender mementos, a call to save children before it is too late. ; Contact Us Have a question, idea, or some feedback? 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. Water gushes for days with no one stopping it, Couple had 'no respect' dumping close to a church, ABC13 viewer says. To this day, Contreras says Gabriel's siblings don't let themselves have fun, no matter how much he tries. [EXPLAINER]Gabriel Fernandez: Who is Michael Lemos Carranza? Gabriel was first given to his great uncles, Michael Lemos Carranza and his partner David Martinez, where he spent around four years. Gabriel's uncle Chris Contreras is breaking his silence. 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. They want me to plead guilty to something I haven't done. PALMDALE, Calif. (KABC) -- This weekend marks seven years since parental child abuse took the life of 8-year-old Gabriel Fernandez. Born on January 4, 1968, Carranza passed away on September 17, 2014, a little over a year after Gabriel's demise. 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. Elizabeth Carranza, Gabriels great-aunt and Michaels sister spoke highly of Michael and David parenting. And there's momentum for "Gabriel's Law." "They can't fight for themselves, they can't speak out for themselves," said Deputy District Attorney Jon Hatami. It's all those emotions are there. However, in 2009, Gabriel left the care of Michael and David and lived with his grandparents until 2012. He now lives in the country's capital San Salvador, where his interviews for The Trials of Gabriel Fernandez took place. Gabriel Fernandez season 2 release date: Will there be another series? "Unfortunately, I think this is something that's gonna affect them the rest of their lives. 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. 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.". Pearl pleaded guilty to first degree murder and was sentenced to life without parole. A fractured skull, broken ribs and BB pellets in his skin. As always you can unsubscribe at any time. She will never be released from prison. 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. She told filmmaker Brian Knappenberger: [Michael Lemos Carranza and David Martinez] were both very good with him. 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. 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. Gavin Newsom, citing his personal sense of morality, suspended all executions for as long as he's in office. PALMDALE, Calif. -- This weekend marks seven years since parental child abuse took the life of 8-year-old Gabriel Fernandez. Aguirre was sentenced to death. Later investigations revealed Rodriguez had never received information detailing previous allegations that Pearl Rodriguez had neglected her other children. They would take him everywhere, he would always be clean and happy. 679215 Registered office: 1 London Bridge Street, London, SE1 9GF. Robert Fernandez's account of this, however, differs. The horrifying murder was detailed in Netflix documentary The Trials of Gabriel Fernandez. "They can . Gabriel Fernandez was eight years old when he died, Pearl Fernandez was sentenced to life in prison without parole. 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. I will love him until I die.". Here are some of the mysteries about Gabriel's tragic story which still haven't been resolved. 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. 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. 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. Gabriel Fernandez: Did Gabriel Fernandez's parents die? 1M views 2 years ago It has been seven years since parental child abuse took the life of 8-year-old Gabriel Fernandez. Those who knew Gabriel best talked to ABC7 about the boy. He saw how it opened minds and hearts. 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. You see his pictures as a baby, he was always smiling. He is now and will forever be with his Gabriel.. May you both be hugging and laughing. Gabriel Fernandez: Where are Gabriel Fernandez brother and sister now? Robert keeps on saying, 'ah, because he says that he loves you guys, you two fa*****'". 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. You need to care.". The prosecutor's crusade to protect children was ignited at the Palmdale complex where Gabriel lived. Netflixs documentary The Trials of Gabriel Fernandez explained to true crime viewers that Carranza was the one raising Fernandez from birth. 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. 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. Im sorry to my children, and I want them to know that I love them.". The power for change, Hatami says, is reflected in a growing memorial. Every question put his way was handled with a blend of authority and empathy. Seven years later, Gabriel's story has traveled worldwide. 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 . Facebook 8-Year-Old's Big Brother Details the Horrific Abuse He Suffered from Mom's Boyfriend Before His Death The day he was. And what did they do? I had never known pain before, until he passed away. He takes aim at the Department of Children and Family Services. Living in a household gripped by fear. "As far as Canada, they come. This weekend marks seven years since parental child abuse took the life of 8-year-old Gabriel Fernandez. In November 2017, Isauro was found guilty of murder with an additional special circumstance of intentional murder by torture. Martinez says of the claims: "The allegations were false, we never sexually abused Gabriel at all. Eventually, Pearl took Gabriel from his grandparents eight months before his death on May 24, 2013. Mourners have had questions. I feel like theyre with me to this moment, he said. It's all those emotions are there. One way or another," Contreras said. The social workers were there. A new voice joined the outcry. However, the cause of death remains unknown. We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you. How safe is your neighborhood? In 2018 Gabriel's mother Pearl pleaded guilty to first-degree murder and sentenced to life in prison without parole. "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. Those who knew Gabriel best talked to ABC7 about the boy. He takes aim at the Department of Children and Family Services. You need to care," said Deputy District Attorney Jon Hatami. Ms Estes also describes how they found a BB gun pellet in Gabriel's lung, and even one in his groin, signalling he'd been shot in both places. "I know that those that have heard or seen his story. The dismissal, says Contreras, was as wrong as what happened earlier. 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. "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. Support Center Find answers to questions about products, access, use, setup, and administration. This service is provided on News Group Newspapers' Limited's Standard Terms and Conditions in accordance with our Privacy & Cookie Policy. In the doc, he says, "ICE got hold of me. "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 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. 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. After his teacher notified social workers of the abuse, something could have been done. Gabriel's memory in the household is so painful, they avoid it. But why would he deny the crime knowing it could lead to him being given a lethal injection? The head of DCFS says since Gabriel's death, the system has been overhauled. Children are still getting murdered. The Trials of Gabriel Fernandez is the harrowing six-part documentary series on Netflix about the case of Gabriel Fernandez. She steered the conversation back to Gabriel's academics. "Children are still getting killed. The Los Angeles DA stated that Aguirre frequently beat Gabriel because he thought the boy was gay. They claimed that Gabriel Fernandez was tortured, forced to eat cat Litter and his own vomit. 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. In the documentary, Gabriel's move at the age of four was because his grandfather Robert Fernandez did not agree with a same-sex couple raising a child. But they didn't," said Carranza. "There were rumours that he [Gabriel] was gay, and it's like, 'no, my baby's not gay. Michael had raised and cared for Gabriel in the early years of his life, alongside his partner David Martinez. "As far as Canada, they come. 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.". This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. The Trials of Gabriel Fernandez is streaming now on Netflix. However, medical staff instantly realised it was much worse as they noticed injuries covering his entire body. "They put him in the back of the car and told him that if he kept lying about things, that he would be the one to go to jail," Elizabeth said. The Trials of Gabriel Fernandez: The Tragic Story of Gabriel's Uncle Michael, objected to him being cared for by two gay men. Garcia intentionally left the door open because she was concerned about being alone with Pearl Fernandez. View our online Press Pack. Monster mum Pearl and her partner Isauro, who was also known as "Tony", were both convicted for the horrors they inflicted on Gabriel. Email us at exclusive@the-sun.com or call 212 416 4552. Seven years later, Gabriel's story has traveled worldwide. PALMDALE, Calif. -- This weekend marks seven years since parental child abuse. Your guess is just as good as mine. But Gov. Contreras says Aguirre deserves no mercy, and he says evidence backs him up. "How many people have named their children after Gabriel, my five year old son's middle name is Gabriel.". "I would show everybody that picture of Gabriel in the hospital. 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.'". But Contreras says a door opened recently. Sadly Michael died in 2014, just 16 months after Gabriel. The. I feel like they are here with me too.". But the question remains whether it was just one of the thugs driving the abuse, or if they were both equally culpable. PALMDALE, Calif. (KABC) -- This weekend marks seven years since parental child abuse took the life of 8-year-old Gabriel Fernandez. 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. But two people - his great uncle and his partner - did care for him. In the new Netflix documentary series about his shocking case, The Trials of Gabriel Fernandez, the horrific facts of his torment are laid bare. The series originally had included the Contreras family, but to allow more time for healing, Contreras requested that their part be taken out. During the trial of Isauro Aguirre, Robert testified that that one day his daughter took Gabriel and refused to bring him back. "They can't fight for themselves, they can't speak out for themselves. He and his wife adopted Gabriel's siblings, the walking wounded. 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. 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.". DON'T MISSGabriel Fernandez: Is Gabriel Fernandezs killer still alive? It would give an officer on an abuse call a way to quickly check for DCFS history and alert the caseworker. Gabriel's uncle Chris Contreras is breaking his silence. This weekend marks seven years since parental child abuse took the life of 8-year-old Gabriel Fernandez. Fernandez's parents, Robert and Sandra, helped raise the child as well, looking after him between 2005 and 2012. Isauro, however, denied the charge, and was ultimately sentenced to death in 2018 he's now on death row. Copyright 2023 KABC Television, LLC. 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. 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. WHEN little Gabriel Fernandez took his last breath in intensive care, his broken body lay covered in injuries worse than any of his doctors had ever seen from his shattered skull to the burns and bruises all over his skin. Lived with Robert and Sandra until he was interviewed for the docuseries killer still alive California. 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