A Bakersfield man faces more than 50 years to life in prison after being convicted of beating and killing his three-week-old son in November 2024.
The Kern County District Attorney’s Office reported that on January 29, 2026, a jury found Eduardo Gutierrez guilty of second-degree murder, assault on a child under eight causing death, and felony child abuse.
On November 24, 2024, Gutierrez allegedly beat his son, Valentin Gutierrez, so severely that he was unresponsive when his mother found him. The coroner’s report confirmed that Valentin suffered severe facial bruising, damage to his soft spot, two skull fractures, multiple brain bleeds, and a liver laceration. He was airlifted to Valley Children’s Hospital in Madera for treatment.
Valentin remained hospitalized for eight days before dying on December 2, 2024. Multiple physicians confirmed the injuries were “non-accidental” and caused by someone using significant force.
During the trial, Gutierrez attempted to blame Valentin’s mother, falsifying timelines and claiming she caused the injuries. The mother presented photos showing Valentin before his father had care, disproving these claims.
District Attorney Cynthia Zimmer stated, “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 is scheduled to be sentenced on April 2, 2026, where he faces over 50 years to life in prison.