Body of missing Oscar Hernandez,13, found in Southern California [Oxnard] - Soccer coach charged

[Deleted member 19575]

I feel this is cultural. Where I live, it wouldn't be weird for a 13-year-old to go to a lesson/practice/training alone. If the teacher/coach was known and trusted and holding an event at their house, it wouldn't be weird for a 13-year-old to go without parents. Parents would probably pick them afterwards if it was dark outside, but if they didn't have a car, and the coach or another parent offered a ride home, they might accept that.

it may not be "weird" but it doesn't mean it's safe. And it's not like someone going to lessons...he got ON A TRAIN to go to another town, ALONE, with no supervision.

 

[ChatteringBirds]

it may not be "weird" but it doesn't mean it's safe. And it's not like someone going to lessons...he got ON A TRAIN to go to another town, ALONE, with no supervision.

Again I think it may have been culturally acceptable to his parents. I am sure they regret it now, though.

But teenagers do this where I live, as long as they know which train to take, where to get off, and how to get where they are going.

Granted not all families would allow it, but it wouldn't be frowned upon. If something like this ended up happening, some would judge the parents' decision and some wouldn't, but many teens are very independent like this around the world.

I know there are dangers out there, but his parents clearly thought he could do this and have a good time and be safe.

 

[tlcya]

I found this helpful in understanding the cultural background Oscar comes from.

Culture of Honduras - history, people, clothing, traditions, women, beliefs, food, customs, family

 

[formerlyme]

I am so sick of Monsters everywhere. If only the other charges appeared sooner... maybe this young man would have been safe. I know hindsight is 20/20 and will try to focus on how many children he no longer has access to.

 

[Kittypoo]

April 7, 2025: District Attorney Hochman Announces Soccer Coach Charged With Murdering 13-Year-Old Boy​

Contact:
Media Relations Division
(213) 257-2000
[email protected]
Teen’s body was found in Ventura County after he was reported missing

LOS ANGELES – Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan J. Hochman announced that a youth soccer coach was charged today with murdering 13-year-old Oscar “Omar” Hernandez, whose body was found by the side of the road in Ventura County last week.

“No parent should ever have to endure the unimaginable pain and sorrow of learning their child has been murdered,” District Attorney Hochman said. “Oscar simply boarded a train and little did he or his family know that he would never return. Sexual predators who target victims for their own gratification will be held accountable and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.”

“On behalf of the Los Angeles Police Department, I want to extend our deepest condolences to the family of Oscar Omar Hernandez,” said LAPD Chief Jim McDonnell. “While we all hoped for a different outcome, the tireless work of multiple law enforcement agencies has ensured that this dangerous individual is off the streets and is no longer a threat to our children and our communities. While this may do little to ease the family’s pain, please know that we are fully committed to pursuing justice for their son.”

“There is no excuse for these type of crimes,” said Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna. “We will continue to pursue justice and work tirelessly to ensure we bring closure to the victims and their families, while ensuring that such individuals face the full extent of the law.”

Mario Edgardo Garcia-Aquino (dob 10/24/81) was charged in case 25CJCF01825 with one count of murder with the special circumstance allegation of murder during the commission or attempted commission of lewd acts with a child, making him eligible for the death penalty. He is expected to be arraigned tomorrow in Department 30 of the Foltz Criminal Justice Center.

On March 30, the teen was reported missing by his family after he boarded a train to Lancaster to visit Garcia-Aquino and wasn’t heard from again. Garcia-Aquino is accused of killing Oscar and then dumping his body in Oxnard.

Garcia-Aquino faces a possible maximum sentence of death or life in prison without the possibility of parole. A decision on whether to seek the death penalty will be made at a later date.

He also has been charged in case 25AVCF00432 with one felony count of assault with the intent to commit a sexual offense. Garcia-Aquino is accused of sexually assaulting a 16-year-old boy in Palmdale on Feb. 22, 2024. If convicted as charged, he faces a possible maximum sentence of six years in state prison on that case.

The case is being prosecuted by Deputy District Attorneys Paul Thompson of the Major Crimes Division and Negin Mostadim of the Sex Crimes Division. It remains under investigation by the Los Angeles Police Department and the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department.

Additional victims or anyone with information is asked to contact the Los Angeles Police Department’s Juvenile Division, Abused Child Unit at (818) 374-5415 or the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department’s Special Victims Bureau at (877) 710-5273. Information also may be provided anonymously by phone to the Los Angeles Regional Crime Stoppers hotline at (800) 222-8477 or online at lacrimestoppers.org.

The charges filed in this case are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.

Mario Edgardo Garcia-Aquino

Credit: LAPD​

This almost looks like he’s wearing medical/social care scrubs.
Could there be a whole other plethora of vulnerable victims ?

 

[Jo in Calif]

The complaint was amended on April 8 to include one felony count each of assault with the intent to commit a sexual offense and lewd act upon a child 14 or 15 years old. On Dec. 10, 2022, Garcia-Aquino allegedly sexually assaulted a teenager at his then-home in Sylmar.

https://da.lacounty.gov/policies

https://da.lacounty.gov/sites/default/files/pdf/040825-Garcia-AquinoAmended.pdf?utm_content=&utm_medium=email&utm_name=&utm_source=govdelivery&utm_term=

 

[LookingForClues]

it may not be "weird" but it doesn't mean it's safe. And it's not like someone going to lessons...he got ON A TRAIN to go to another town, ALONE, with no supervision.

But he was just fine taking the train, alone, without supervision. That wasn't the danger he faced. The danger he faced was with someone the after-school soccer team presented to parents as trustworthy. A whole different ball of wax! We need to keep our eye on the ball, so to speak. This is a predator who found a way to be around kids, as a coach, so he could groom his victims (we see this with teachers, coaches, team doctors, etc.).

Clearly, the background checks are missing things. Maybe they need to be done more frequently. Maybe they need to include accusations of improper behavior towards kids. Who knows. But that's the process that needs to change.

The fact that a 13-year-old took public transportation alone is not part of the equation at all! And at some point, parents who are used to using public transportation have to let their teens use it alone. It really is not uncommon for teens his age to start using public transportation alone. Oscar, his parents, and his entire family are victims. There's no doubt about that. We need to treat them as the victims they are. My heart breaks for this family, who came here for a better life, and tried to become a part of their community.

I want to know why prosecutors chose not to prosecute this predator. Victims were brave enough to come forward. Why didn't they get justice?

 

[formerlyme]

unfortunately background checks are clear without reports. Until the first report ......

 

[LookingForClues]

Actually, it depends on the scope of the criminal history check. Some only show convictions. Some show arrests. And so forth.

 

[TMich6811]

There are a variety of background checks - I am in a state that requires 3 different ones for all of our staff/volunteers etc. I would never know if someone was accused or arrested, not one of the 3 reports would show unless convicted.

 

[katydid23]

I feel so sorry for the parents and I can't fault them for allowing their 13 yr old to go help the coach. I'm sure they expected other teammates to be there helping as well.

It is expensive to try and get a kid on a soccer team in a league that competes with other teams. I bet this 'coach' made it easy and less expensive, making the family feel blessed and lucky to have found this great program for their son. He probably offers to get him the gear he needed, and to help with transportation, etc.

And being an organised established program, they felt secure in the coaches and volunteers.

 

[Jo in Calif]

The LA County District Attorney's Office said Tuesday the 2022 case was presented to prosecutors in August, 2023, and said at the time the case needed additional forensic testing.


"Once all of the testing was complete and we received the final results, and after the prefiling interview with the victim, our office initiated the filing process on April 7, 2025," the DA's office said in a statement.


As to the 2024 case, the DA's office said Sheriff's detectives presented the evidence in May, 2024, and again, said prosecutors needed additional forensic tests.


"Once all of the testing was complete and we received the final results, our office initiated the filing process on March 25, 2025," the statement said.

Soccer coach charged with 2022 sexual assault after murder charge in death of teen boy

The soccer coach jailed on suspicion of murdering 13-year-old Oscar Omar Hernandez was charged Tuesday with an additional count for an alleged sexual attack on a teen in 2022. Mario Edgardo Garcia Aquino, 43, was set to make an initial appearance in court Tuesday afternoon in downtown Los...

www.nbclosangeles.com

 

[Jo in Calif]

The U.S. Attorney's Office in Los Angeles issued a statement Tuesday in response to questions about Garcia Aquino's immigration status.


"This was an avoidable crime and the result of failed border policies," said United States Attorney Bill Essayli. "We cannot and will not tolerate illegal aliens who flout our nation’s immigration laws then prey on children. Federal law enforcement will continue to be very aggressive in locating, apprehending, and prosecuting criminal illegal aliens."

Soccer coach charged with 2022 sexual assault after murder charge in death of teen boy

The soccer coach jailed on suspicion of murdering 13-year-old Oscar Omar Hernandez was charged Tuesday with an additional count for an alleged sexual attack on a teen in 2022. Mario Edgardo Garcia Aquino, 43, was set to make an initial appearance in court Tuesday afternoon in downtown Los...

www.nbclosangeles.com

 

[Jo in Calif]

Law enforcement officials told NBCLA they received numerous calls from the public after requesting information at a news conference Monday on other unreported incidents involving the coach.

Neighbor of coach accused in teen's killing says children often played soccer at his home

A ‘missing person’ flyer asking for help in the search for 13-year-old Oscar Omar Hernandez was still posted Tuesday at the San Fernando Valley park where he used to practice soccer. The piece of paper with the North Hollywood boy’s photo was posted at Whitsett Soccer Field after Oscar Omar was...

www.nbclosangeles.com

 

[Knox]

My husband coaches and I recall he only did background once. A good handful of our league staff work at schools so they do it more often through their job but not the league. So if the guy already passed background before the accusation last year I can see how it may have fallen through the cracks. I bet leagues will be rethinking that.

I hope this tragedy will spur some change in the process.

In the link above the background check provider states they “track members background status”.

To me that implies something that is ongoing. As in a member needs to remain compliant, beyond just an initial pass the background check?

But what is the legality of being charged with a crime vs. convicted? Maybe the change could be if you’re charged, your coaching status is suspended pending adjudication. Who gives an crap about their rights, IMO. It’s about protecting children, JMO.

But how frequently would you do status checks? Monthly, quarterly, semiannual? Any less than semiannual and you’re running a risk.

 

[Knox]

The U.S. Attorney's Office in Los Angeles issued a statement Tuesday in response to questions about Garcia Aquino's immigration status.


"This was an avoidable crime and the result of failed border policies," said United States Attorney Bill Essayli. "We cannot and will not tolerate illegal aliens who flout our nation’s immigration laws then prey on children. Federal law enforcement will continue to be very aggressive in locating, apprehending, and prosecuting criminal illegal aliens."

Soccer coach charged with 2022 sexual assault after murder charge in death of teen boy

The soccer coach jailed on suspicion of murdering 13-year-old Oscar Omar Hernandez was charged Tuesday with an additional count for an alleged sexual attack on a teen in 2022. Mario Edgardo Garcia Aquino, 43, was set to make an initial appearance in court Tuesday afternoon in downtown Los...

www.nbclosangeles.com

The math isn’t mathing in this news article? Did the forensic results from the 2022 & 2024 assaults magically show up at the end of March/April 2025?

Is the US Attorney saying Aquino is in the US illegally? I’m confused. Where was that stated, did I miss that?

 

[tlcya]

The math isn’t mathing in this news article? Did the forensic results from the 2022 & 2024 assaults magically show up at the end of March/April 2025?

Is the US Attorney saying Aquino is in the US illegally? I’m confused. Where was that stated, did I miss that?

the math indeed is very suspect. those two cases, two years apart and 2 and 3 years ago, respectively, have suddenly and conveniently just now had test results come back allowing for charges on those prior bad acts. Post murder of Oscar? I call
----
LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- The Department of Homeland Security said a youth soccer coach who was charged with murdering a 13-year old boy whose body was found by the side of a road in Oxnard is an undocumented immigrant.
Soccer coach accused in teen murder is an undocumented immigrant, DHS says

Mario Edgardo Garcia Aquino, 43, was residing in the United States illegally when he allegedly killed teen Oscar Omar Hernandez, “multiple law enforcement sources” told Bill Melugin of Fox News.
Soccer coach accused in teen murder is an undocumented immigrant, DHS says

The LA County Sheriff’s Office, District Attorney’s Office and Los Angeles Police Department have not officially confirmed Garcia Aquino’s immigration status, but unidentified sources also told the Los Angeles Times that the accused killer is in the country illegally.
Youth soccer coach, 43, charged in murder of 13-year-old player, accused of sexually assaulting another boy, is illegal migrant from El Salvador: report

lots of unnamed sources in MSM saying he was here illegally. IF he was undocumented, the problem isn't just a border problem despite how appealing the soundbite must be for Faux news. MOO If true, the problem is also why was the investigation into his other alleged crimes not a priority so that the murder of Oscar could have been prevented? Was it a matter of a "oh well it's just one brown person's committing an alleged crime against another brown person" attitude by LE? By the very DA who is now grandstanding on the topic? I genuinely want to know.

IF Garcia Aquino was undocumented why was he still here to continue harming other young boys and men? Especially after multiple allegations had been made against him in the course of several years.

 

[ChatteringBirds]

MOO If true, the problem is also why was the investigation into his other alleged crimes not a priority so that the murder of Oscar could have been prevented? Was it a matter of a "oh well it's just one brown person's committing an alleged crime against another brown person" attitude by LE? By the very DA who is now grandstanding on the topic? I genuinely want to know.

IF Garcia Aquino was undocumented why was he still here to continue harming other young boys and men? Especially after multiple allegations had been made against him in the course of several years.

@tlcya Very good questions.

It shouldn't take a child's murder for prior accusations to receive the care and respect deserved. This didn't have to happen. IMO.

 

[tlcya]

MOO living is dangerous. crossing the street can be dangerous. Riding a bus, train, climbing a tree, swimming, all can be dangerous. Riding the train to get where he was going, alone or otherwise has nothing to do with his death.

His parents are victims. they are not responsible for Oscar's death. His coach, who should have been prosecuted the FIRST time an allegation was made against him back in 2022 is. Had that happened, he never would have been in a position of trust working around vulnerable children.

 

[LookingForClues]

it may be culturally acceptable but it's still dangerous. His parents thought he'd be safe meeting someone they barely knew or didn't know, in another town. Clearly he wasn't.

Perhaps you misread my post that you quoted. I was responding to someone who said the danger was letting him ride the train alone. My response is that is NOT where the danger was. The danger was being with someone that an after-school soccer program presented to families as being a safe adult. Two entirely different issues.

He wasn't murdered because he rode a train or went to another town. He was murdered because he was groomed by a predator whom he and his family thought was a safe adult to be around. He was a victim of someone he KNEW, his coach was not a stranger. And his parents are victims because they trusted that this program and all the involved adults were safe.