LOS ANGELES – The boyfriend of Gabriel Fernandez's mother has been found guilty of first-degree murder in connection with the boy's May 2013 death.
A jury found Isauro Aguirre, 37, guilty of intentionally killing the 8-year-old boy after the court heard horrific descriptions of the torture the child endured.
Isauro Aguirre is shown in court on Nov. 15, 2017, when he was found guilty of first-degree murder in connection with the death of Gabriel Fernandez. (Credit: KTLA)
The jury began deliberating on Tuesday, after the four-week trial, and announced late Wednesday morning that they had reached a verdict.
Los Angeles County Deputy District Attorney Jon Hatami had argued that Aguirre systematically abused and tortured Gabriel because he thought the boy was gay.
The boy was taken to a hospital in May 2013 when he stopped breathing. He had a cracked skull and broken ribs, with B.B. pellets in his lung and groin, the Los Angeles Times reported. He was declared brain dead and died two days later.
Aguirre and the boy’s mother, Pearl Fernandez, worked to keep their treatment of Gabriel hidden by using makeup to cover up his bruises, Hatami said. The two exchanged text messages discussing their treatment of the boy, which included putting him in ice water.
Aguirre bit, whipped, bound and gagged Gabriel, as well as fed him cat litter and feces, Hatami said. The prosecutor argued that Aguirre enjoyed abusing and torturing the small boy.
Six-foot-2-inch Aguirre weighed 270 pounds at the time of the death, the prosecutor said, comparing his size to that of Gabriel, who was 59 pounds and 4 feet 1 inch tall.
During the trial, Hatami showed the jury weapons that were found in the couple’s Palmdale home.
He called Aguirre "evil."
The prosecutor wiped tears from his face after the verdict was read.
Hatami said he is a survivor of child abuse and that while he is an attorney, "my number one job is being a dad." He called the verdict "just."
Aguirre’s defense team argued that while he admitted to hurting the boy, he did not intend to kill him. His attorneys said Aguirre became angry over Gabriel wanting his mother to end her relationship with the man.
A first-degree murder conviction can result in 25 years to life in prison, and Aguirre also faces the death penalty in this case. The penalty phase of the trial begins on Nov. 27.
Pearl Fernandez will be tried separately. Four Los Angeles County social workers who were assigned to Gabriel's case also face charges in connection with the death.
