The Trials of Gabriel Fernandez is Netflix’s most harrowing true-crime documentary yet
Viewer discretion is advised
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Netflix is about to release its next true-crime documentary series, the trailer for which essentially warns viewers it will be a particularly difficult viewing experience.
The Trials of Gabriel Fernandez tells the traumatising story of an eight-year-old boy who was tortured and beaten to death by his mother, Pearl, and her boyfriend, Isauro Aguire, in 2013.
Gabriel was found in his family home in Los Angeles having suffered horrific injuries, including a fractured skull and severe burn marks, after his mother called 911 to report her son was not breathing after hitting his head.
The pair later confessed to intentionally abusing Gabriel, who was declared brain-dead and died two days after being taken to hospital.
This particular series asks how Gabriel’s injuries “slipped through the cracks” and tracks the court proceedings that attempt to prosecute Pearl, Isauro and four social workers who were tasked with looking out for Gabriel.
The series places some of the focus on these social workers, who were accused of doctoring records after failing to remove Gabriel from his abusive mother despite the fact the Department of Children & Family Services was aware of the injuries he was receiving.
The Trials of Gabriel Fernandez is directed by Brian Knappenberger and features first person accounts from Gabriel’s family members, young friends and the legal team hoping to prosecute those responsible.
It joins a long list of true-crime shows to have been added to Netflix in recent years, including The Staircase, The Pharmacist and Making a Murderer.
The Trials of Gabriel Fernandez will be available to stream from 26 February.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments