The soccer coach of a 13-year-old who was discovered lifeless after his household reported him lacking final week has been charged within the teen’s homicide, officers introduced on Monday.
Oscar Omar Hernandez, of the San Fernando Valley, was reported lacking by his household on March 30 after he “did not return dwelling from visiting an acquaintance in Lancaster,” Los Angeles police mentioned final week.
Household and associates maintain a vigil for Oscar Omar Hernandez in Los Angeles, April 3, 2025.
KABC
The teenager had gone to go to his soccer coach — 43-year-old Mario Edguardo Garcia-Aquino — two days earlier, based on Los Angeles County District Legal professional Nathan Hochman.
Oscar was discovered lifeless on Wednesday within the metropolis of Oxnard, west of Los Angeles, off to the aspect of a street close to Leo Carrillo State Seashore, Hochman mentioned.
Garcia-Aquino has been charged with homicide with particular circumstances on Monday, Hochman mentioned.
The suspect has individually additionally been charged with a felony rely of assault with intent to commit a lewd act in opposition to a 16-year-old boy, Hochman mentioned. Garcia-Aquino was arrested on Wednesday on that cost, which stemmed from an alleged incident in Palmdale on Feb. 22, 2024, authorities mentioned.
“These circumstances are tragic, and the Hernandez household, you’ve gotten our deepest sympathy for a loss that phrases can not even start to explain,” Hochman mentioned at a press briefing on Monday. “Our function, although, is to convey justice to this household and to carry the particular person answerable for these brutal, heinous, unspeakable, unthinkable acts, maintain them accountable and prosecute and punish them to the total extent of the legislation.”
Hochman mentioned he doesn’t have any particulars on how Oscar was killed right now.
Garcia-Aquino is scheduled to seem in courtroom on Tuesday, Hochman mentioned.
If convicted, the suspect faces a sentence of not less than life with out the opportunity of parole for the homicide cost or the dying penalty, Hochman mentioned. He additionally faces six years in jail if convicted of the assault cost, Hochman mentioned.
Authorities are asking any alleged victims of the suspect or anybody with info to come back ahead.
Los Angeles County District Legal professional Nathan Hochman speaks at a information convention in Los Angeles, March 10, 2025.
Damian Dovarganes/AP, FILE
“There’s all the time a concern that there is extra victims, and we need to ensure that we account for everyone that is on the market,” Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna mentioned on the briefing.
Garcia-Aquina was a youth journey soccer coach with a boys’ soccer membership within the Sylmar space, based on Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna. He had no reported legal historical past, the sheriff mentioned.
“If for some cause anyone fears coming ahead, at the same time as a youth or a household, as a result of you might be right here undocumented, we’re not going to ask about that,” Luna mentioned. “Please. It is advisable come ahead. We’ll help you — whether or not it is our division, the Los Angeles Police Division, the LA County District Legal professional’s Workplace — any of us are going to wrap our arms round you and just be sure you get the suitable providers. We information you the suitable approach and we shield you as properly.”
Oscar’s relations attended the press briefing however didn’t make a public remark.
Household and associates 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 should be handled like an animal. That was my son,” his mom, Gladys Bautista, cried out in Spanish, ABC Information’ Los Angeles station KABC reported.