*This article contains content that some readers may find upsetting.*
Netflix viewers have been gripped by the harrowing story behind The Trials of Gabriel Fernandez since it dropped last month - and now the filmmaker says unanswered questions could lead to a series 2.
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The six-part docuseries, which landed on the streaming platform last month, left swathes of viewers in tears as they learnt of the horrific abuse and ultimate murder of eight-year-old Gabriel Fernandez in 2011 at the hands of his mother Pearl Sinthia Fernandez, and her boyfriend, Isauro Aguirre.
His death was the result of a long and sustained campaign of abuse inflicted on him by the couple, and despite numerous investigations by social workers, and reports of his injuries, Gabriel was allowed to remain at home where the abuse continued.
During Fernandez and Aguirre's trials, courts heard how the little boy was forced to eat cat faeces and his own vomit and was forced to sleep in a small cupboard with his feet bound and mouth gagged.
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The true crime, which is currently the third most-watched series in the UK, concluded with the sentencing of Fernandez and Aguirre, who received life without parole and the death sentence, respectively, but now the filmmaker behind the documentary is saying it might not be the end of Gabriel's story.
Brian Knappenberger revealed to Entertainment Weekly that he made attempts to contact Fernandez and Aguirre for the film, giving them a special phone number they could reach him on - but neither ever called.
However, Knappenberger still holds hopes they could get in touch, adding he'd "absolutely" talk to them.
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"It's not like we created this television series and now we're on to the next thing, moving on with our lives. This is something that is lodged in the heart of everybody that worked on it," he told EW.
"Part of it is a mystery. Like, who are these people? How did this happen? Why did this boy's life get taken like this?
"There are still so many unanswered questions. So if they wanted to talk to me, I would absolutely talk to them on the record."
The docuseries also explores the trials of Gabriel's four social workers, who were charged with child endangerment which resulted in death, and falsification of public documents, potentially landing them 10 years in prison.
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A appellate court threw out that case in January 2020, however prosecutors could still take the case to the California Supreme Court.
"We're waiting to see if the prosecutors then take this to the next level to the California Supreme Court; all that should happen within the next few weeks," explained Knappenberger.
"This is still a very live story, so maybe this could lead to a season two?"
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It seems there's a lot left of Gabriel's story to be told. Watch this space.
Featured Image Credit: NetflixTopics: Entertainment,
