Plot Synopsis

From award-winning documentarian Brian Knappenberger, THE TRIALS OF GABRIEL FERNANDEZ is a six-part documentary series that explores the trial as well as the investigation into the government systems that failed to protect 8-year-old Gabriel Fernandez, despite multiple reports and warning signs. In 2013, Gabriel died as a result of horrific and prolonged abuse by his mother Pearl and her boyfriend, Isauro Aguirre. In the wake of the tragedy, a demand for justice and accountability exploded in Los Angeles County. The series opens with dark details of Gabriel's story coming to light as a shadowy source from inside the DCFS suggests that his case wasn't handled properly. With hundreds of witnesses and thousands of documents, the trial of Isauro Aguirre begins -- with Deputy DA Jonathan Hatami seeking the death penalty. Then, focus shifts to Gabriel's mother and the role she may have played in his death. Gabriel's teacher recounts a series of calls to child services. 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. Netflix released the entire six-episode series on Wednesday, February 26, 2020 at 3:01am ET/12:01am PT.