Soccer coach charged with murder of teenage boy
13-year-old Oscar Omar Hernandez was reported missing by his family on March 30. Previously, Hernandez had taken a train ride to Lancaster, CA, to complete odd jobs for a friend. When his family tried calling him, a friend answered and claimed Hernandez could not come to the phone.
On April 2, authorities discovered a body in a ditch on the side of N. Harbor Boulevard, which runs adjacent to a woodland area near McGrath State Beach, over 70 miles away from Hernandez’s home. After the police investigated the body, they concluded that it matched the description of the missing 13-year-old boy, Hernandez.
Later in the investigation of his murder, it was revealed that Hernandez traveled to Lancaster to visit his soccer coach, 43- year-old, Mario Edgardo Garcia-Aquino, to help him make soccer jerseys at the coach’s home.
Previously, Garcia-Anquino had been involved with a child sexual abuse case with a different minor and was arrested on April 2, the same day that Hernandez’s body was found. After being arrested, Garcia-Aquino was questioned and charged for the death of Hernandez. Garcia-Aquino is scheduled to appear in court on April 8.
Garcia-Aquino could face a possible death sentence or a life sentence without parole. In the sexual assault case, Garcia-Aquino faces a possible maximum of six years in state prison.
As of April 7, the details of how Hernandez was murdered have not been released to the public. Authorities are seeking others to come forward with any details about Hernandez’s death or potential victims of sexual assault, and offer protection and guidance for anyone who comes forward.
Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna has also stated that authorities will not be asking about documentation or proof of citizenship, in case that prevents anyone from coming forward to share information.”If for some reason anybody fears coming forward, even as a youth or a family, because you may be here undocumented, we’re not going to ask about that,” Luna said. “Please. You need to come forward. We will assist you — whether it’s our department, the Los Angeles Police Department, the LA County District Attorney’s Office — any of us are going to wrap our arms around you and make sure that you get the appropriate services. We guide you the right way and we protect you as well.” The Hernandez family has been continuously holding candlelight vigils outside of their Sun Valley home to honor Oscar Omar Hernandez and his life. His family has stated that they are desperate for answers and justice. Hernandez’s family attended the public press briefing but did not share a comment with the public. The family intends to hold Hernandez’s funeral in their home in Honduras.
Anyone with more information is asked to contact the Los Angeles Police Department’s Juvenile Division and the Abused Child Unit at 818-374-5415.
