Gabriel Fernandez, an eight-year-old boy from Palmdale, California, died on May 24, 2013, as a result of eight months of abuse. His mother, Pearl Fernandez, and her boyfriend, Isauro Aguirre, were found to be responsible for the abuse. Multiple reports of abuse were made to the Los Angeles County Department of Children and Family Services, but Fernandez was not removed from the household.
Authorities arrested Pearl Fernandez and Isauro Aguirre on May 23, 2013, after Gabriel was found unresponsive. He was declared brain dead upon arrival at the medical facility and passed away two days later. Initially charged with abuse and attempted murder, Pearl and Isauro were later charged with first-degree murder and special circumstances of torture.
During the trial, evidence emerged detailing the extent of Gabriel’s injuries, including a broken skull, brain swelling, and neck swelling. Gabriel’s brother testified about the daily beatings Gabriel endured, including being hit, kicked, pepper-sprayed, and struck with a belt buckle and metal hanger. Pearl Fernandez pleaded guilty to avoid the death sentence and received a life imprisonment sentence without parole.
Isauro Aguirre pleaded not guilty to the charge of first-degree murder with special circumstances of torture. However, the jury found him guilty, and he was sentenced to death. Pearl Fernandez is currently serving her sentence at Chowchilla State Women’s Prison in Central California, while Isauro Aguirre is on death row at San Quentin.
Charges against the social workers involved in the case were dismissed, as the court ruled they were not responsible for the crimes. A documentary titled ‘The Trials of Gabriel Fernandez’ is available on Netflix, providing further insight into the case.
