The 2020 Netflix documentary The Trials of Gabriel Fernandez continues to haunt viewers six years after its release, with fans describing it as one of the saddest shows ever to appear on the streaming platform.
The true-crime series brought to light the harrowing story of Gabriel Fernandez, an eight-year-old boy who was murdered in May 2013 after suffering months of torture at the hands of his mother, Pearl Fernandez, and her boyfriend, Isauro Aguirre. Gabriel was found severely injured in his family home and died in hospital two days later.
System failures and social workers
During the final eight months of Gabriel's life, numerous complaints had been made to the Los Angeles Department of Child and Family Services (DCFS) about him. Four social workers were assigned to his case, yet failed to prevent his death. It was argued that Gabriel's death was foreseeable, meaning the social workers should be held responsible for their actions.
Trials and sentencing
The documentary explores the abuse and torture Gabriel endured in his short life, while also featuring the trials of Pearl Fernandez and Isauro Aguirre. The synopsis reads: "A boy's murder and the trials of his guardians and social workers prompt questions about the system's protection of vulnerable children."
During the sentencing hearing in 2018, Superior Court Judge George G Lomeli told the pair: "I hope you think about the pain you caused this child and that it tortures you."
Fans' reactions
Fans have described the series as one of the saddest to ever appear on Netflix, with one branding it "horrifying, and unforgettable". Another said: "Nothing comes close to the sadness that documentary will induce," adding: "It destroyed me for weeks."
A third agreed: "One of the most horrific cases of child abuse ever. It will break your heart into a million pieces." A fourth shared: "A documentary everyone needs to watch but will wish they hadn’t. We need to look for every sign and do EVERYTHING we can possibly do. That poor teacher and the guilt she lives with is unimaginable. What he went through is utterly heartbreaking." While someone else admitted the show "still haunts me".
