Ep 1. A Shock to the System

In "The Trials of Gabriel Fernandez" season 1 episode 1, titled "A Shock to the System," viewers are introduced to the case of Gabriel Fernandez, an 8-year-old boy who was brutally abused and ultimately killed by his mother and her boyfriend.

The episode begins with a 911 call reporting an unresponsive child at the home of Gabriel's mother, Pearl Fernandez, and her boyfriend, Isauro Aguirre. When paramedics arrive, they find Gabriel naked in a bedroom, covered in burns and bruises, with cracked ribs and a BB gun pellet lodged in his lung. Despite their best efforts, Gabriel dies two days later.

The Los Angeles Sheriff's Department launches an investigation into the case, led by Detective Jon Hatami, who quickly discovers that Gabriel had been abused for years and that multiple agencies had failed to intervene. He meets with Gabriel's family members, neighbors, and school officials, collecting evidence to build a case against Pearl and Isauro.

The episode also introduces viewers to Gabriel's family, including his older siblings, his father Arnold, and his grandparents. They all express shock and horror at the abuse Gabriel suffered and describe their attempts to help him, including filing reports with multiple authorities. They also reveal how Pearl and Isauro isolated Gabriel from his family and prevented them from seeing him.

As the investigation continues, Hatami finds evidence of torture devices in Pearl and Isauro's apartment, including a wooden club and a metal BB gun. He also discovers that the couple had a history of domestic violence and drug abuse. In a harrowing moment, Hatami shows graphic photos of Gabriel's injuries to the trial jury, who are visibly distraught.

The episode concludes with Pearl and Isauro's arrests and their initial court appearances. Both plead not guilty to the charges of murder and torture, but the evidence presented against them looks damning.

Overall, "A Shock to the System" is a gut-wrenching introduction to the tragic case of Gabriel Fernandez, as well as a scathing critique of the systems that failed to protect him. Viewers should be prepared for graphic descriptions of abuse and violence.