Youth Soccer Coach charged with the murder of 13-year-old Oscar Omar Hernandez

Oscar Omar Hernandez

13-year-old Oscar Omar Hernandez, from California, had a love for soccer and was part of his school’s soccer team. In an effort to help him improve, Oscar’s family connected with a youth coach named Mario Garcia-Aquino through an after-school program at Whitsett Park in North Hollywood.

Oscar regularly went to practice with Garcia-Aquino, along with other young boys. The coach became such a close family friend that Oscar’s family often invited him over for dinner.

On March 28, Oscar told his family he was heading to Garcia-Aquino’s home to help make soccer jerseys for an upcoming Friday night game. He took the train to get there and was expected back by Saturday morning.

When Saturday arrived and Oscar hadn’t returned, his family became concerned. They tried calling him, but all calls went unanswered. When they contacted Garcia-Aquino, he told them he had dropped Oscar off that afternoon. Later, the family received a text from Oscar’s phone saying he was going to a party.

Oscar’s older sister later said in an interview.

“We started contacting his friends, but there was never a party. His friends never saw him.”

As concern grew for Oscar’s safety, the family reported him missing to the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD). The LAPD quickly began an investigation into Oscar’s disappearance. Tragically, with help from the FBI, on the second day of the investigation, the body of 13-year-old Oscar Omar Hernandez was found in a small wooded area near McGrath State Beach in Oxnard.

The crime scene where Oscar’s body was found

Mario Garcia-Aquino was arrested and charged with Oscar’s murder and the attempted commission of lewd acts with a child. The LAPD released Garcia-Aquino’s mugshot and urged any other victims to come forward.

Mario Garcia-Aquino mugshot

During the investigation, it was revealed that Garcia-Aquino had been previously charged in February 2023 with felony assault with intent to commit a lewd act involving a 16-year-old boy. He also faced another charge connected to a December 2022 incident involving a 14-year-old boy. The complaint stated:

“Garcia-Aquino was charged with felony assault with intent to commit rape, as well as a felony charge of lewd acts upon a child aged 14 or 15 in connection with the incident.”

However, he was not prosecuted because the victim declined to testify.

Now facing murder and sexual assault charges, authorities report that Garcia-Aquino could face the death penalty or life in prison without the possibility of parole, in addition to six years for the previous felony sexual assault charges. Oscar’s exact cause of death has not yet been publicly confirmed.

His family told reporters they were devastated, especially because Garcia-Aquino had even helped in the early search for Oscar, someone they had trusted.

The Hernandez family had moved to the U.S. from Honduras, seeking a better life and future for their children, and for Oscar, with his passion for soccer, was central to that dream.

Oscar’s older brother, Josue, believes Garcia-Aquino targeted families who lacked legal status in the U.S. During a press conference, LA County Sheriff Robert Luna urged potential victims or witnesses to come forward, regardless of their immigration status:

LA County Sheriff Robert Luna

“We’re not going to ask about that. Please, you need to come forward. We will assist you.

Any of us will wrap our arms around you and make sure you get the appropriate services, guide you the right way, and protect you as well.”

He continued:

“No matter what your documentation status is-we have a young man that was murdered.

That matters, and it should matter to everyone. Whether you speak the language or not, I don’t care where you come from. Please come forward.”

Authorities provided the following contact information:

LAPD Juvenile Division, Abused Child Unit: 818–374–5415

Sheriff’s Special Victims Bureau: 877–710–5273

To remain anonymous: Los Angeles Regional Crime Stoppers at 800–222–8477 or lacrimestoppers.org

Funeral for Oscar Omar Hernandez at Heart of Mary Catholic Church

On April 12, the Hernandez family, loved ones, and friends gathered to honor Oscar at his funeral held at Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church. During the service, Oscar’s mother was seen crying uncontrollably and nearly fainted as she approached her son’s casket.

Oscar’s mother fainted when she approached her son’s casket

The family released a statement:

“We are devastated by the unimaginable loss of our beloved son, Oscar Omar Hernandez Bautista. His bright spirit and love for soccer brought joy to everyone who knew him. We are heartbroken that someone entrusted with his care could commit such a horrific act.”

Garcia-Aquino is scheduled to appear in court on April 30.

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