BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET) — Eduardo Gutierrez came up with a number of explanations for how his infant son suffered horrific injuries, including skull fractures and bleeding on the brain.
He blamed the baby’s mother. He said a swing in the home might be the culprit. He even suggested his 18-month-old son could be responsible.
A Kern County jury this month heard Gutierrez, 25, testify he would never harm 3-week-old Valentin, who died about a week after being hospitalized.
But jurors also heard how Valentin’s crying annoyed Gutierrez, and that the baby was found motionless Nov. 24, 2024, after being left alone with his father.
When Valentin’s mother asked Gutierrez what he’d done, he responded, “I made him stop crying,” according to testimony.
Jurors on Thursday found Gutierrez guilty of second-degree murder, assault on a child under 8 causing death and child abuse.
He faces more than 50 years to life at his sentencing hearing in April, prosecutors said.
“It is difficult to comprehend how anyone could be so heartless as to inflict such harm on a fragile baby,” District Attorney Cynthia Zimmer said in a release. “My heart breaks for Valentin, and while this conviction can never undo the damage, we will ensure that Gutierrez faces the most severe punishment.”
Valentin’s mother rushed him to a hospital after finding him unresponsive at their home on Washington Street. Authorities were called due to the severity of his injuries.
The baby was flown to Valley Children’s Hospital in Madera, where he died Dec. 2.
This article will be updated.
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