Soccer Coach Accused of Murder After Missing 13-Year-Old Boy Found Dead: Prosecutors

A soccer coach has been accused of murder following the disappearance of a 13-year-old player from his team; the child was initially reported missing by their family and was subsequently found.
found dead
On Monday, authorities made an announcement.

Oscar Omar Hernandez, who hails from the San Fernando Valley, was declared missing by his relatives on March 30 after he did not come back home following a visit to a friend in Lancaster, according to statements made by the Los Angeles Police Department earlier this week.

The teenager had visited his soccer coach, 43-year-old Mario Edgardo Garcia-Aquino, just two days prior, as stated by Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman.

Hochman stated that Oscar was discovered deceased on Wednesday in Oxnard, located west of Los Angeles, alongside a road close to Leo Carrillo State Beach.

On Monday, Garcia-Aquino was charged with murder along with special circumstances according to Hochman.

The suspect has additionally faced charges for a felony related to assault with the intention of committing a lewd act upon a 16-year-old male, according to Hochman. Garcia-Aquino was taken into custody on Wednesday due to this accusation, following an alleged event in Palmdale on February 22, 2024, as stated by officials.

These situations are heartbreaking, and to the Hernandez family, we extend our most profound sympathies for a loss that defies description,” Hochman stated during a press conference on Monday. “However, our duty is to seek justice for this family and ensure that the individual behind these horrific, vile, indescribable, unimaginable actions faces accountability. We will pursue their prosecution and punishment under every provision of the law.

FURTHER: Inquiry launched following discovery of a body amid efforts to locate the missing 13-year-old

Hochman mentioned that currently, he doesn’t possess any information regarding how Oscar met his demise.

Garcia-Aquino is set to make an appearance in court on Tuesday, according to Hochman.

If found guilty, the accused could be sentenced to life imprisonment with no chance of parole for the murder charge, or possibly receive the death penalty, according to Hochman. Additionally, he could face up to six years in jail if convicted of the assault charge, as stated by Hochman.

The authorities are requesting that any potential victims of the suspect or individuals with relevant information step forward.

“At times, there’s a concern that there might be additional victims, and our priority is to ensure that we locate everyone who could possibly be affected,” stated Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna during the briefing.

According to Luna, Garcia-Aquina served as a youth travel soccer coach for a boys’ soccer club in the Sylmar region. The sheriff mentioned that he had no documented criminal record.

“If for any reason anyone feels hesitant to step forward, regardless of their status as a young person or a family member due to being undocumented, we won’t inquire into that,” Luna stated. “Please do come forward. We will help you — this applies whether it’s through our office, the LAPD, or the LA County District Attorney’s Office. Each one of us is ready to support you fully and ensure you receive the necessary assistance. Our role includes guiding you correctly and also safeguarding your wellbeing.”

Members of Oscar’s family were present at the press briefing but chose not to speak publicly.

On Thursday, family members and friends honored Oscar at the location where his body was discovered beside the roadway in Oxnard.

“He shouldn’t have been treated like an animal. He was my son,” his mother, Gladys Bautista, exclaimed in Spanish, according to ABC News’ Los Angeles station KABC.
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