A California couple has been sentenced to 22 years to life in prison for the 2021 death of their 16-year-old daughter, whom they tortured after discovering text messages to boys. Oriana Elias and Vincent Gibbs forced Pearlene Valavala to exercise in the hot sun and beat her until she collapsed. Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan J. Hochman called the act an unthinkable betrayal.
Oriana Elias, 38, and Vincent Gibbs, 39, received their sentences last week following convictions on charges including second-degree murder, torture, child abuse, and causing great bodily injury. Prosecutors detailed that on August 15, 2021, the parents punished Pearlene for sending inappropriate texts to teenage boys by making her perform strenuous exercises in the hot sun, then beating her with a wooden plank and belt for hours. The abuse occurred in a trailer without running water or electricity, and was witnessed by her sisters. Pearlene collapsed and died in a makeshift bathroom there. Elias and Gibbs called 911 but instructed the sisters to lie to police and paramedics about the incident. Gibbs was also convicted of using a weapon in the crime. The couple was arraigned in April 2025, pleaded not guilty, and stood trial from January until guilty verdicts on March 17. 'This sentence reflects an unthinkable betrayal by parents who are meant to protect their children from harm,' Los Angeles County DA Nathan J. Hochman said in a statement. He added, 'Pearlene was denied the chance to grow up and become who she was meant to be. There is no punishment that can restore the loss of life.'