The Trials of Gabriel Fernandez

This is a disturbing documentary about a boy who was systematically abused by his mother and her boyfriend, and nobody did anything about it, although the signs of physical abuse were blatant. I don't regret watching it because I work in social services, with children and youth, and it is a reminder of our duty to them above anything else. I would not recommend everyone to watch it as it gave me nightmares.

Once I started watching, there was no way I couldn't watch the whole thing in one sitting. I was up until 4:00 in the morning. I cannot get Gabriel and his horrible torture and abuse out of my head. It haunts me during my waking hours and wakes me when I sleep. The torture...the abuse...and knowing there are so many other innocent children being subjected RIGHT NOW to this very thing. It is just horrifying.

When my adult daughter called yesterday, I told her I was exhaused that I had watched a show I couldn't stop watching until 4:00 in the morning. She wanted to know what it was about....I could barely get the words out. I don't want her to see it. I don't want any one to see it. Yet, we all need to see it. We all need to see this and all of its gruesome honesty.

I hate the subject matter. I hated the show. There were times when tears were streaming down my face. I hate the perpetrators, oh my God, do I hate them. (Pearl's final statement was so sickening...she had no remorse, none, whatsoever.)

But more, I hate the "system" and the realization that this happens over and over and over and over and over....

Having been a government worker, I know how the people who are at the top are there not to ensure that the people they serve are served well, but to meet metrics and to keep themselves looking good - especially in the human services departments. It is sickening.

From this show, we see how everyone is protecting themselves. The only people that stood out and did the right thing was the teacher and the security officer - but their reports were for naught. No one, no one else stood up for this poor innocent child.

It makes me want to say, if anyone sees a child who has been abused, take them, take them away, don't wait to turn them into social services or the authorities. Take them directly to the hospital and stay with them and never let their demon caretakers ever have them back. I know it isn't realistic. But seriously, from what I have seen, that seems to be the best alternative.

The system would rather let a child be abused or die than let their parents' lose their rights as parents, rather than ensure the very basic rights of a child's safety.

We must, we must!! figure out a way to stop this horrendous child abuse that is systemic in our society.

Not for the weak hearted. This a Netflix special look at how American justice failed a 7yr boy on many levels, no not back in the 70s or 80s but just a few years ago in the teenies.

Its properly **** up actually how badly this boy is abused at home and by the safety system thats meant to protect the vulnerable, every time you watch an episode and say to yourself how could it get any worse it does.

I enjoy real life stuff and this was well done, even though id never heard of the poor lite mite before i will probably never forget him.

Pay attention people, think about how abuse has affected us all in one way or another, big or small. This is yet another account of the consequences of abuse left unchecked in people. This is what happens when pain is left untreated and unacknowledged in society, this is how it manifests - through death of the innocent. I recommend everyone watch this to get an understanding of the magnitude of this problem. What happened to this boy is what happens to so many children and people in general on a daily basis in our society, we have to start thinking in terms of the collective, not just for ourselves. We are all responsible for each other and we can prevent things like this from happening.

This enthralling documentary will make you sad. It will enrage you. It will also cause utter frustration at why this young boy died for absolutely no reason. I watch many documentaries. This one in particular has remained with me long after the final credits rolled. What a senseless tragedy.