An old system risks young lives

By: Haili Luevano

“The Trials of Gabriel Fernandez” is a true crime documentary that was released on Netflix on Feb. 26, 2020. It takes place in Los Angeles, California and covers the story of an eight-year-old boy who was tortured and murdered by his mother and her boyfriend in 2013. Directed by Brian Knappenberger, this six-part documentary depicts graphic images of the physical and emotional trauma that Gabriel went through leading up to his death. If you choose to watch this show, viewer discretion is advised.

Each episode focuses on a different aspect of the Fernandez case. The show’s exposition introduces Gabriel as a happy, caring little boy who lived with his great-uncle and his partner. When circumstances changed, Gabriel was placed under his grandparents’ custody before being re-homed with his biological mother, Pearl.

The inadequate care that Gabriel received under Pearl and her boyfriend, Isauro Aguirre, is quickly exposed. He was both physically and verbally abused by both of his caretakers, while his two siblings, Ezequiel and Virginia, were forced to watch or participate in the abuse, while never incurring it themselves.

While Gabriel’s death is the main focus in the documentary, Knappenberger also branches off and delves deep into the inner workings of the Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) as well as the involvement of the LAPD. While the police visited Pearl’s household multiple times, they rarely conferred with the boy himself and on occasion would threaten him if he continued to lie about his injuries.

The evidence of abuse and neglect regarding the Fernandez case is simply overwhelming, bringing to light the deficiency of care and regard the DCFS put into Gabriel’s conditions, as well as the conditions of countless other child abuse victims.

The last two episodes encompass the trials of Pearl and Isauro in full, as well as the four DCFS social workers entrusted with Gabriel’s well-being. The strive for justice displayed throughout the film impacts the viewer on an extremely emotional level.

While not for the faint of heart, “The Trails of Gabriel Fernandez” is an enrapturing show that reveals the blatant evil existing in the world, with the educational aspect urging scrutiny over the way the government runs the DCFS. The trial’s results will offer you a mixture of closure and devastation, with a final conclusion that will rock you to the core.

If you or another is suffering from any type of abuse, please contact 911.