Justice has been served for baby Valentin, whose life was tragically taken...

Justice has been served for baby Valentin, whose life was tragically taken at just three weeks old after suffering brutal abuse by his father.

A Kern County jury found Defendant Eduardo Gutierrez guilty of Second Degree Murder, Assault on a Child Under Eight Years Old Causing Death, and Felony Child Abuse.

The case was prosecuted by Deputy DA Stephanie Taconi.

On November 24, 2024, Gutierrez beat and struck baby Valentin so severely that when his mother found him, Valentin was unresponsive. 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 8 days before succumbing to his injuries and passing away 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 attempted to place blame on Valentin’s mother by lying about the timeline of events and arguing that she was the one that inflicted the injuries. Valentin’s mother was able to show photos of Valentin just before he was in Gutierrez’s care, negating his claims.

DA Zimmer commented; “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.”

Sentencing is scheduled for April 2, 2026 where Gutierrez faces over 50 years to life in prison.