An investigation is underway after authorities discovered a physique matching the outline of a lacking 13-year-old boy, Los Angeles police stated.
Oscar Omar Hernandez, of the San Fernando Valley, was reported lacking by his household on Sunday after he “did not return dwelling from visiting an acquaintance in Lancaster,” LAPD Capt. Scot Williams stated in an announcement.
The Los Angeles Police Division’s Theft-Murder Division assumed the lead Tuesday within the investigation, which subsequently led them to an “space of curiosity” within the metropolis of Oxnard, west of Los Angeles, Williams stated.
“In collaboration with our companions on the FBI, a coordinated foot search of that space came about,” Williams stated. “Throughout the search, a physique matching the outline of the lacking teen was found.”
The identification of the deceased has not been formally confirmed, and the reason for dying stays undetermined, police stated.
Detectives are pursuing results in “decide the reason for dying and to determine any people who could also be concerned or possess data related to this investigation,” Williams stated.
Household and pals maintain a vigil for Oscar Omar Hernandez in Los Angeles, April 3, 2025.
KABC
LAPD Deputy Chief Alan Hamilton advised reporters on the scene in Oxnard on Wednesday that they had been working to determine a timeline within the case.
“The household was conscious of his vacation spot, and I will sort of go away it at that as a part of the investigation,” he stated.
Police wouldn’t say what led them to Oxnard.
“All we will say is that our investigation led us up to now right here … within the unincorporated space of Ventura County,” Hamilton stated.
Household and pals of Oscar paid tribute to the teenager on Thursday on the website the place the physique was discovered on the aspect of a street in Oxnard.
“He did not have to be handled like an animal. That was my son,” his mom, Gladys Bautista, cried out in Spanish, ABC Information’ Los Angeles station KABC reported.
Family members additionally gathered outdoors his dwelling within the North Hollywood space, the place pals remembered him because the “nicest particular person” who was “all the time kindhearted” and an ideal dancer.
Police didn’t have an replace on the investigation on Friday.
“Anybody that thinks they are going to get away with any sort of foul play or nefarious exercise or felony exercise, they are going to study that the Los Angeles Police Division will cease at nothing to convey folks to justice,” Hamilton stated on the scene Wednesday.