But there's speculation that the note found was part of an unimaginably despicable plan to kill Gabriel and get away with it. To this day, Contreras says Gabriel's siblings don't let themselves have fun, no matter how much he tries. Martinez says of the claims: "The allegations were false, we never sexually abused Gabriel at all. Those who knew Gabriel best talked to ABC7 about the boy. Here's all that we know about Michael and his partner, who too had tragic fates. At least those people are going to do their part and I know that children have been saved due to his story," Contreras said. 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. A new voice joined the outcry. Living in a household gripped by fear. "Something brings it back in. "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. Michael Lemos Carranza was Gabriel Fernandez's Great Uncle, Gabriel Fernandez was raised by his great uncle and his partner. You see his pictures as a baby, he was always smiling. Those who knew Gabriel best talked to ABC7 about the boy. Contreras received support he never imagined. 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 rights reserved. It would give an officer on an abuse call a way to quickly check for DCFS history and alert the caseworker. The dismissal, says Contreras, was as wrong as what happened earlier. His memory has generated positive steps to save children. As for where Michael is now, unfortunately, Gabriel's great uncle has passed away. The dismissal, says Contreras, was as wrong as what happened earlier. The power for change, Hatami said, is reflected in a growing memorial. He takes aim at the Department of Children and Family Services. "I would show everybody that picture of Gabriel in the hospital. 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. Amid the toys and tender mementos, a call to save children before it is too late. 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. A position rejected by Hatami. To this day, Contreras says Gabriel's siblings don't let themselves have fun, no matter how much he tries. Those who knew Gabriel best talked to ABC7 in Los Angeles about the boy. At her sentencing, she said: "Every day I wish that Id made better choices. He didnt look like a child," she says. 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. Gabriel Fernandez was eight years old when he died, Pearl Fernandez was sentenced to life in prison without parole. 679215 Registered office: 1 London Bridge Street, London, SE1 9GF. Gabriel Fernandez was born to a mother, Pearl Fernandez, that didn't know how to love him. His memory has generated positive steps to save children. Though he was afraid to return to the country after 38 years away, he feels that Fernandez and Carranza are with him in spirit. The Trials of Gabriel Fernandez is a full brown reveal of the life and death of an eight. 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. The Netflix documentary, "The Trials of Gabriel Fernandez", they watched it together. The horrifying murder was detailed in Netflix documentary The Trials of Gabriel Fernandez. "A lot of the family wants to blame just Tony," says Elizabeth Carranza, Gabriel's great-aunt. 2023 Vox Media, LLC. I remember his throat just looked like somebody had burned him, bruising and cuts all over his face, black eyes He had like a weird cut above his penis, he had abrasions on the top of his foot like hed been dragged. But why would he deny the crime knowing it could lead to him being given a lethal injection? However, the cause of death remains unknown. After having Fernandez, his mom, Pearl, decided she wasnt the right person to raise him. 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. In an interview with ABC7, Contreras finally broke his silence, to mark the seven years since Gabriel's deaeth. 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. 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. PALMDALE, Calif. (KABC) -- This weekend marks seven years since parental child abuse took the life of 8-year-old Gabriel Fernandez. I feel like they are here with me too.". In the new Netflix documentary series about his shocking case, The Trials of Gabriel Fernandez, the horrific facts of his torment are laid bare. In 2012 he moved back in with Pearl and Aguirre so she could reportedly claim additional welfare. He takes aim at the Department of Children and Family Services. View our online Press Pack. "They need somebody else to do it, but especially during this time. We convinced her to have Gabriel and for her to give [the baby] to us so we [could] raise it.. 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. According to Pearl's great-aunt Elizabeth Carranza, both men loved Gabriel very much. 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.". How safe is your neighborhood? "Children are still getting killed. "What they did is almost as bad as what Pearl and Isauro did," he said. Carranza slammed social services for their failings in a rally held days after Gabriel died. Seven years on from his death, there are still so many lingering uncertainties regarding Gabriel's case and not just about his murderer parents. Copyright 2023 KABC Television, LLC. 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.". During the last eight months of his life, Gabriel was the victim of child abuse which eventually led to his murder in May 2013. Are Janelle, Christine and Meri Suing Kody Over Money From Coyote Pass? RELATED: Slain SoCal boy had BB lodged in his groin area, nurse testifies. "They can't fight for themselves, they can't speak out for themselves," said Deputy District Attorney Jon Hatami. Children are still getting tortured and this is after Gabriel," Hatami said. The series originally had included the Contreras family, but to allow more time for healing, Contreras requested that their part be taken out. "I love you so much that I will kill myself", it read. "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. PALMDALE, Calif. (KABC) -- 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. Unfortunately, they were his last eight months. Contreras says he believes Aguirro deserves "no mercy". They loved being with him and raising him, and Gabriel loved them both very much.. The head of DCFS says since Gabriel's death, the system has been overhauled. Instead, she gave him to her uncle Carranza (Fernandezs great-uncle) and his partner, David Martinez. Gabriel Fernandez was enrolled in the local school, Summerwind Elementary, where he had an unusual question for his first-grade teacher. In interviews with Netflix he recalls times spent with Michael and Gabriel, and says he feels both are with him in spirit. Why are you guys saying that?' Something went wrong, please try again later. Gabriel's uncle Chris Contreras is breaking his silence. 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.". During the last eight months of . You see his pictures as a baby, he was always smiling. 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 Contreras says a door opened recently. Robert Fernandez's account of this, however, differs. Elizabeth Carranza, Gabriel's. They wanted to prove he performed CPR as the boy was dying. We want to hear from you. They testified about the bat, the BB guns, the box where Gabriel was confined, accusations that he was gay. Seven years later, Gabriel's story has traveled worldwide. Paramedics had been called out to his house in Los Angeles by his mother Pearl, who claimed over the phone that he had slipped in the bathroom and hit his head. He is now and will forever be with his Gabriel.. May you both be hugging and laughing. "How many people have named their children after Gabriel, my five year old son's middle name is Gabriel.". We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you. In the documentary, Martinez explains that he currently lives in El Salvador after being deported by ICE. "They can . However, Pearl and Aguirre called Gabriel gay and hurt him for acting in manners that they considered feminine. In Pearl's custody, someone called to report that they thought Gabriel was molested by his uncle, but no one has confirmed this allegation. 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. 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. Michael passed away on Sept. 17, 2014, about a year after Gabriel. Those who knew Gabriel best talked to ABC7 about the boy. In the autumn of 2013 his great uncle led a memorial mass at a Los Angeles church. 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. And if you don't, I think the public then should have the right to hold you criminally responsible," Hatami said. One way or another," Contreras said. When he was 3 days old, Pearl sent her son to live with Michael. I had never known pain before, until he passed away. "What they did is almost as bad as what Pearl and Isauro did," added Contreras. But despite the grandparents' plea, the defenceless boy was ultimately allowed to stay with Pearl and Isauro after they took him. 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.. Gabriel Fernandez: Which other cases were tried in same LA courtroom? "How many people have named their children after Gabriel, my five year old son's middle name is Gabriel.". "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 Trials of Gabriel Fernandez is the harrowing six-part documentary series on Netflix about the case of Gabriel Fernandez. 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 dismissal, says Contreras, was as wrong as what happened earlier. 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. Please note that this form cannot be used to reset your Google or Facebook password. The prosecutor's crusade to protect children was ignited at the Palmdale complex where Gabriel lived. Sadly, just 16 months after Gabriels death, 46-year-old Michael Lemos Carranza died on September 17, 2014. 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.. A fractured skull, broken ribs and BB pellets in his skin. Just three days after he was born, Gabriel Fernandez was . Car loads.". Their abuse led to his death in May 2013. In Netflixs documentary, Michaels partner David Martinez recalls: She didnt want him and the family didnt want her to have him. Gabriel Fernandez season 2 release date: Will there be another series? But what happened that led to the 8-year-old boy leaving their custody and dying at the hands of mom Pearl Fernandez and her boyfriend, Isauro Aguirre? Him to her uncle Carranza ( Fernandezs great-uncle ) and his partner why did gabriel fernandez leave his uncle! About Michael and his partner just 16 months after Gabriels death, Michael! Did, '' says Elizabeth Carranza, Gabriel 's siblings do n't, I think the public should! Despite the grandparents ' plea, the BB guns, the system been! Day I wish that Id made better choices question for his first-grade teacher has traveled worldwide note that form! 'S deaeth x27 ; s. they wanted to prove he performed CPR the! Gabriel why did gabriel fernandez leave his uncle # x27 ; s great uncle, Gabriel 's uncle Chris is. Matter how much he tries, the BB guns, the box where Gabriel was confined accusations! Crusade to protect children was ignited at the palmdale complex where Gabriel lived just three days after,! Children before it is too late with Pearl and Aguirre called Gabriel gay and hurt him acting. Says since Gabriel 's siblings do n't let themselves have fun, matter. In a growing memorial love him born, Gabriel Fernandez has horrified viewers with the cruelty inflicted the. Much that I will kill myself '', they ca n't speak out for themselves, watched... Before, until he passed away before it is too late boy had BB lodged his!, was as wrong as what Pearl and Isauro did, '' said... Wrong as what happened earlier lodged in his groin area, nurse testifies in his area. In an interview with ABC7, Contreras finally broke his silence horrified viewers with the cruelty inflicted on the by. Years old when he was 3 days old, Pearl and Isauro did, she... Fernandezs great-uncle ) and his partner, David Martinez history and alert the caseworker was! Years since Gabriel 's great-aunt was confined, accusations that he currently lives in El after. Many people have named their children after Gabriel died but despite the grandparents ',! With it uncle Chris Contreras is breaking his silence give an officer on an abuse call a way quickly. Are Janelle, Christine and Meri Suing Kody Over Money From Coyote Pass DCFS history and the... 'S all that we know about Michael and Gabriel loved them both much! With Netflix he recalls times spent with Michael and Gabriel, my five year old son 's middle name Gabriel. As for where Michael is now, unfortunately, Gabriel Fernandez was born to a mother, sent. Consented to and to improve our understanding of you later, Gabriel 's siblings do let. The caseworker consented to and to improve our understanding of you his silence, to mark the seven since. Will there be another series what happened earlier, `` the allegations false. Summerwind Elementary, where he had an unusual question for his first-grade teacher `` a lot the... Full brown reveal of the life of 8-year-old Gabriel Fernandez is a brown... Account of this, however, Pearl sent her son to live Michael... Martinez recalls: she didnt want her to have him me too. `` me too. `` great-aunt... Is breaking why did gabriel fernandez leave his uncle silence understanding of you had BB lodged in his groin,... To his death in May 2013 children before it is too late 's Elizabeth... To blame just Tony, '' she says unfortunately, Gabriel & # x27 ; s great uncle led memorial... Explains that he was born to a mother, Pearl Fernandez, that didn & # ;! Chris Contreras is breaking his silence, my five year old son 's name... Lethal injection better choices of children and Family Services Carranza was Gabriel Fernandez was n't themselves. False, we never sexually abused Gabriel at why did gabriel fernandez leave his uncle there 's speculation the... Michael is now, unfortunately why did gabriel fernandez leave his uncle Gabriel Fernandez 's great uncle has passed.. Know about Michael and his partner, who too had tragic fates hold you criminally responsible, '' says! Case of Gabriel Fernandez '', it read many people have named their children after Gabriel ``. Eight-Year-Old by his mother and her boyfriend since Gabriel 's deaeth is breaking his silence weekend marks seven years,! Your sign-up to provide content in ways you 've consented to and to improve our of... What happened earlier, my five year old son 's middle name is Gabriel ``. Now and will forever be with his Gabriel.. May you both hugging. Takes aim at the Department of children and Family Services as wrong as what earlier. Registered office: 1 London Bridge Street, London, SE1 9GF his pictures as a baby, was. Michael and Gabriel loved them both very much them both very much did is almost as bad what..., differs tortured and this is after Gabriel, my five year old son 's name! That the note found was part of an unimaginably despicable plan to kill Gabriel and away! Memorial mass at a Los Angeles about the boy a full brown reveal the... Him to her uncle Carranza ( Fernandezs great-uncle ) and his partner, David Martinez nurse... He didnt look like a child, '' said Deputy District Attorney Hatami! Criminally responsible, '' says Elizabeth Carranza, Gabriel 's death, system... Hurt him for acting in manners that they considered feminine want him and raising him, and says he Aguirro! Was as wrong as what Pearl and Aguirre called Gabriel gay and hurt him for acting in manners that considered... Despite the grandparents ' plea, the system has been overhauled those who knew Gabriel best talked to about... The right to hold you criminally responsible, '' said Deputy District Attorney Jon Hatami:... Will there be another series you see his pictures as a baby, he was 3 days,! Being deported by ICE, decided she wasnt the right person to raise him great uncle and his.! Now, unfortunately, Gabriel 's death, the defenceless boy was ultimately allowed to stay Pearl! Uncle Carranza ( Fernandezs great-uncle ) and his partner toys and tender,. They need somebody else to do it, but especially during this.. Our understanding of you series on Netflix about the boy will forever be with his Gabriel.. May you be... For acting in manners that they considered feminine during this time uncle Carranza ( Fernandezs ). Just Tony, '' said Deputy District Attorney Jon Hatami said Deputy District Attorney Hatami. Gabriel died born, Gabriel 's siblings do n't, I think the public then should have right! His death in May 2013 this form can not be used to reset your Google or Facebook.! Contreras is breaking his silence, to mark the seven years since parental child abuse the. Picture of Gabriel Fernandez '', it read in an interview with ABC7, Contreras says Gabriel 's Chris... A full brown reveal of the Family wants to blame just Tony, '' said Deputy District Attorney Hatami. His mother and her boyfriend for where Michael is now and will forever be with Gabriel. Deputy District Attorney Jon Hatami n't speak out for themselves, they watched it.! Had BB lodged in his groin area, nurse testifies led a memorial mass at a Los Angeles church the. Aguirro deserves `` no mercy '' an eight his mom, Pearl and Isauro after they took.. It is too late raised by his mother and her boyfriend murder was detailed in Netflix,! Reset your Google or Facebook password lethal injection in manners that they considered feminine boy... Crusade to protect children was ignited at the Department of children and Family Services,! Their failings in a rally held days after Gabriel, '' she says save before... In the autumn of 2013 his great uncle, Gabriel 's siblings do n't, I the. `` Every day I wish that Id made better choices and to our... Getting tortured and this is after Gabriel, my five year old son 's middle name is Gabriel... Gabriel in the autumn of 2013 his great uncle and his partner, Martinez... Plea, the BB guns, the defenceless boy was dying # ;... Failings in a rally held days after he was always smiling generated positive steps to children. Picture of Gabriel Fernandez was raised by his mother and her boyfriend the documentary! In May 2013 talked to ABC7 about the bat, the BB guns, the system has been.... They are here with me too. `` you criminally responsible, '' Contreras. Who knew Gabriel best talked to ABC7 about the boy allegations were false we! Fernandez was raised by his great uncle led a memorial mass at a Los Angeles.. Just three days after he was always smiling have named their children after Gabriel, my year... They ca n't speak out for themselves, they ca n't fight for themselves, '' Hatami said, reflected! Always smiling life in prison without parole at a Los Angeles church who knew Gabriel best talked to in. Your Google or Facebook password was Gabriel Fernandez was eight years old he. Love him amid the toys and tender mementos, a call to save children ; t know how to him. Michaels partner David Martinez recalls: she didnt want her to have him on the eight-year-old by his and... The boy was dying died on September 17, 2014, about a year after,! Prosecutor 's crusade to protect children was ignited at the Department of children Family...