BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KBAK/KBFX) — A man was sentenced 75 years to life, plus 10 years, after being convicted of beating and killing his three-week-old baby in Bakersfield back in November 2024.
The Kern County District Attorney’s Office said on January 29, 2026, a Kern County jury found Eduardo Gutierrez guilty of second-degree murder, assault on a child under eight years old causing death, and felony child abuse.
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The DA’s office said on November 24, 2024, Gutierrez beat and struck his three-week-old son, Valentin Gutierrez, so severely that when his mother found him, Valentin was unresponsive. According to the coroner’s report, it happened in the 1000 block of Washington Street.
According to the DA’s office, Valentin suffered severe bruising on his face and damage to his soft spot. Valentin’s mother took him to the hospital, where it was determined that Valentin had severe bruising to his face and limbs, suffered two skull fractures, had multiple brain bleeds, and a laceration to his liver. Valentin required greater treatment than what was locally available and was airlifted to Valley Children’s Hospital in Madera.
Valentin was at the hospital for eight days before dying from his injuries on December 2, 2024. Valentin was treated by multiple physicians who all determined that Valentin’s injuries were “non-accidental” and inflicted by someone using great force on him.
The Kern County District Attorney’s Office said on January 29, 2026, a Kern County jury found Eduardo Gutierrez guilty of second-degree murder, assault on a child under eight years old causing death, and felony child abuse. PHOTO: KBAK/KBFX
During the trial, Gutierrez tried to place blame on Valentin’s mother by lying about the timeline of events and arguing that she was the one who inflicted the injuries, according to the DA’s office.
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The DA’s office said Valentin’s mother was able to show photos of Valentin just before he was in Gutierrez’s care, negating his claims.
On July 7, during Gutierrez’s sentencing, the mother of the child gave a statement in sorrow, holding a box. The box was given by the hospital with a stuffed animal with Valentin’s heartbeat, a pendant of his hand, a onesie, and a memorial card.
Gutierrez also made an obscene gesture towards the Eyewitness News cameras several times and used profanity. The judge said the sentence was justified as Gutierrez showed no remorse, saying he was smirking during the emotional statement.
The Kern County District Attorney’s Office said on January 29, 2026, a Kern County jury found Eduardo Gutierrez guilty of second-degree murder, assault on a child under eight years old causing death, and felony child abuse. PHOTO: KBAK/KBFX
Leslie Carrillo, the mother of the infant, said, “He can’t hurt me, he can’t hurt nobody else. He’s a monster.”