The Trials of Gabriel Fernandez

A tragedy that outraged a community. A failure that shocked the system.

2020 7.4

A boy’s brutal murder and the public trials of his guardians and social workers prompt questions about the system’s protection of vulnerable children.

Play

1
A Shock to the System
2020-02-26
Dark details of Gabriel's story come to light as a shadowy source from inside the DCFS suggests that his case wasn't handled properly.
2
Evil in this Courtroom
2020-02-26
With hundreds of witnesses and thousands of documents, the trial of Isauro Aguirre begins — with Deputy DA Jonathan Hatami seeking the death penalty.
3
Failure at All Levels
2020-02-26
Focus shifts to Gabriel's mother, Pearl, and the role she may have played in his death. Gabriel's teacher recounts a series of calls to child services.
4
Death Has Got Him by the Hand
2020-02-26
At Isauro's trial, a former security guard details his attempts to help Gabriel that hit a dead end with social services and the sheriff's department.
5
Improper Regard or Indifference
2020-02-26
The social workers fight to clear their names in court. Later, with the cameras turned off, Gabriel's siblings take the stand and give graphic testimony.
6
Gabriel's Voice
2020-02-26
As LA County assesses the cracks of a broken system, the jury reaches a verdict in Isauro's case, and Pearl Fernandez has her day in court.