BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KBAK/KBFX) — A man faces over 50 years to life in prison after being convicted of beating and killing his three-week-old baby in Bakersfield back in November 2024.
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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.
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.
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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.
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.
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.
District Attorney Cynthia Zimmer commented by saying, “It is difficult to comprehend how anyone could be so heartless as to inflict such harm on a fragile baby. My heart breaks for Valentin, and while this conviction can never undo the damage, we will ensure that Gutierrez faces the most severe punishment.”
Gutierrez’s sentencing is scheduled for April 2, 2026, where he faces over 50 years to life in prison.