LANCASTER, Calif. (KTLA) — A 29-year-old mother and her boyfriend were charged Tuesday with one count each of murder and a special circumstance of torture in the death of the woman’s son, Gabriel.
Pearl Sinthia Fernandez and Isauro Aguirre, 32, made their first court appearance Tuesday where their arraignment was postponed.
Authorities received a call about a child needing help at an apartment in Palmdale around 11 p.m. on Wednesday.
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Gabriel, 8, was found unconscious, with markings around his ankles suggesting he may have been tied up, police said.
He was also found to have cigarette burns on his body, a skull fracture and several broken ribs.
Gabriel was transported to an area hospital and then airlifted to Children’s Hospital Los Angeles.
During an interview, Aguirre admitted causing the injuries to the child, detectives said.
The child’s mother admitted to being present during the assault and did not intervene on behalf of the boy.
Prosecutors would decide later whether they would seek the death penalty.
Two other siblings, ages 10 and 12, were found in the apartment, detective said.
They did not appear to be injured and were taken into protective custody.