2021 Nominees

The Trials of Gabriel Fernandez

Production Company: A Luminant Media Production in association with Investigative Reporting Productions and Common Sense Media

Produced for: Netflix

Executive Producer (Production Company): Brian Knappenberger, Lowell Bergman

Executive Producer (network/platform): NA

Country or Territory where first released: USA

Synopsis:

In 2013, 8-year-old Gabriel Fernandez died as a result of horrific and prolonged abuse by his mother and her boyfriend. In the wake of the tragedy, a demand for justice and accountability exploded in Los Angeles County. This six-part documentary series from award-winning documentarian Brian Knappenberger (Nobody Speak: Trials of the Free Press) offers an inside look at the trial as well as an eye-opening investigation into the government systems that failed to protect Gabriel, despite multiple reports and warning signs. Along with shedding light on an important story, The Trials of Gabriel Fernandez serves as a wake-up call to reexamine the structures designed to protect children in need.

Episode: A Shock to the System -
Dark details of Gabriel's story come to light as a shadowy source from inside the DCFS suggest that his case wasn't handled properly.