The community comes together to honor the memory of a beloved young soccer player.
A youth soccer coach in Lancaster, California, Mario Edgardo Garcia-Aquino, is facing serious charges, including the murder of 13-year-old Oscar Omar Hernandez. The boy was reported missing on March 30 and was found deceased days later. Garcia-Aquino is also facing allegations of sexual misconduct involving minors. Community members are mourning Oscar and calling for justice, while the coach awaits legal proceedings amid ongoing investigations into his past behavior.
In a shocking case that has captured the attention and hearts of many, Lancaster, California, is gripped by an unfolding tragedy. A local youth soccer coach, Mario Edgardo Garcia-Aquino, aged 43, is now facing serious charges, including the murder of a 13-year-old boy named Oscar Omar Hernandez. This is a deeply sorrowful story for a community that cherishes its children and sports.
Oscar was reported missing on March 30, after failing to return home from a visit to Garcia-Aquino’s residence. His family grew increasingly worried and reported him missing, sparking an extensive search. Sadly, just a few days later, on April 2, authorities found Oscar’s lifeless body on the roadside in Oxnard, Ventura County. The community has been devastated by this news, as Oscar was known as a friendly child who had a passion for soccer, and he was loved by all who knew him.
In connection with Oscar’s death, Garcia-Aquino has been charged with one count of murder, with a stipulated special circumstance for the murder being committed during or attempted lewd acts with a child. This means that if convicted, the coach may face severe consequences, including the possibility of the death penalty or a life sentence without parole. In addition to the murder charge, Garcia-Aquino is also facing serious allegations related to the sexual assault of a 16-year-old boy back in February 2024.
The case against the soccer coach grows more troubling as it has come to light that he had previously undergone an investigation for suspected sexual misconduct with minors. However, no charges were brought at that time due to a lack of cooperation from the alleged victim. The amended complaint against him now includes charges of assault with intent to commit rape and lewd acts upon a child, focusing on an incident that reportedly occurred in December 2022.
Garcia-Aquino, known for his role as a youth travel soccer coach for the Hurricane Valley Boys Soccer Club in Sylmar, has now become a figure of suspicion rather than a mentor and coach. The local community is mourning the loss of Oscar, reflecting on the light he brought to the lives of those around him.
Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman extended heartfelt condolences to Oscar’s family and stressed the importance of seeking justice for this young boy. Meanwhile, authorities are calling on anyone who may have been a victim or witnessed any misconduct by Garcia-Aquino to come forward. They have assured potential victims that immigration status would not be a concern, encouraging a safe environment for individuals to report any incidents.
Garcia-Aquino, who is reportedly an undocumented immigrant from El Salvador, is currently awaiting his arraignment, which has been postponed to the end of the month. This case is being dealt with carefully, involving local law enforcement and federal agents, as the investigation carries on. As of now, the cause of Oscar’s untimely death remains undisclosed, further adding to the community’s sense of helplessness.
As the Lancaster community grapples with the loss of a beloved child, there is a heartfelt plea for justice and closure. Oscar’s bright spirit and love for soccer will not be forgotten, and the community stands united in support of his family. This heartbreaking story reminds us all of the importance of protecting our children and being vigilant about those who have unsupervised access to them.
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