The Murder of Gabriel Fernandez

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On May 22, 2013, Pearl Fernandez called 911 and said that her 8 year old son, Gabriel, was not breathing. Upon arrival, they found Gabriel naked with several injuries. Paramedics rushed him to the hospital, where doctors declared him brain dead. He died two days later as a result of blunt force trauma and neglect. His mother Pearl and her boyfriend, Isauro Aguirre were immediate suspects. The real truth is that Fernandez and Aguirre severely beat and tortured Gabriel for the eight months leading up to his death. They forced him to eat cat litter and feces, shot him with BB guns and knocked his teeth out. That was just the tip of the iceberg. Aguirre abused Gabriel just off. the assumption that he was "gay". A finger was never laid on Gabriel's siblings. Pearl abandoned Gabriel just three days after giving birth. Gabriel was raised by his uncle until the age of four, then his grandparents. In 2012, Pearl regained custody. Gabriel would miss days of school and when he did go, he was covered in bruises and welts. He would tell his teacher what his mom would do to him. The teacher did contact social services but nothing was ever done. Pearl Fernandez pleaded guilty for the murder and torture of Gabriel and was sentenced to life in prison without parole in 2018. Aguirre plead not guilty and a trial began. Ultimately, he was found guilty of first degree murder and torture that resulted in death. He was sentenced to death.