BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET) \u2014 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.<\/p>\n
He blamed the baby\u2019s mother. He said a swing in the home might be the culprit. He even suggested his 18-month-old son could be responsible.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
But jurors also heard how Valentin\u2019s crying annoyed Gutierrez, and that the baby was found motionless Nov. 24, 2024, after being left alone with his father.<\/p>\n
When Valentin\u2019s mother asked Gutierrez what he\u2019d done, he responded, \u201cI made him stop crying,\u201d according to testimony.<\/p>\n
Jurors on Thursday found Gutierrez guilty of second-degree murder, assault on a child under 8 causing death and child abuse.<\/p>\n
He faces more than 50 years to life at his sentencing hearing in April, prosecutors said.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt is difficult to comprehend how anyone could be so heartless as to inflict such harm on a fragile baby,\u201d District Attorney Cynthia Zimmer said in a release. \u201cMy heart breaks for Valentin, and while this conviction can never undo the damage, we will ensure that Gutierrez faces the most severe punishment.\u201d<\/p>\n
Valentin\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n
The baby was flown to Valley Children\u2019s Hospital in Madera, where he died Dec. 2.<\/p>\n
This article will be updated.<\/p>\n
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