California Soccer Coach Charged with Murder of 13-Year-Old Oscar Hernandez, Facing Possible Death Penalty

California youth soccer coach faces murder charge in connection with the death of 13-year-old Oscar Hernandez; authorities seek additional information from potential victims.

Los Angeles, CA – A youth soccer coach in Southern California is now facing a first-degree murder charge in the death of 13-year-old Oscar Omar Hernandez, a young boy who vanished under tragic and suspicious circumstances.

At a press conference on Monday, April 7, Los Angeles District Attorney Nathan J. Hochman announced that 43-year-old Mario Edgardo Garcia Aquino has been formally charged with the teen’s killing. The charges include a special circumstance allegation, suggesting the murder occurred during another violent felony—potentially a robbery or sexual assault. If convicted, Garcia Aquino could face life in prison without parole or the death penalty.

Oscar was last seen on Friday, March 28, when he boarded a Metrolink train to Palmdale to assist Garcia Aquino, who had served as his soccer coach. According to the family, that was the last time they saw Oscar alive. Concerned that he hadn’t returned, they filed a missing person report on Sunday, March 30.

After a days-long search involving multiple law enforcement agencies, Oscar’s body was discovered on Wednesday, April 2, in a remote ditch in Oxnard—nearly 93 miles from where he was last seen. Authorities have not yet disclosed the cause of death or what led them to the grim location. However, they believe Oscar was killed in the Antelope Valley, an area under the jurisdiction of the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department (LACSD).

District Attorney Hochman also revealed that Garcia Aquino is facing a separate felony charge for assault with intent to commit a lewd act against a 16-year-old boy, stemming from an incident on February 22, 2024, in Palmdale. The teen’s family reported that case after the child stayed at Garcia Aquino’s home. The alleged victim’s family filed a criminal report with the Palmdale Sheriff's Station, prompting a broader investigation into Garcia Aquino’s actions.

Garcia Aquino, a youth travel soccer coach with the Hurricane Valley Boys Soccer Club, had previously worked with various age groups. Sheriff Robert Luna stated that Garcia Aquino had no prior criminal history before this year but now faces scrutiny in multiple child abuse cases. In addition to the February incident, the LAPD’s Foothill Division is investigating another unrelated sexual abuse allegation involving a child.

As the investigation expands, law enforcement urges potential victims or anyone with information to come forward.

“For some reason, if anybody fears coming forward, even as a youth or a family, because you may be here undocumented—we’re not going to ask about that,” Sheriff Luna emphasized. “Please, you need to come forward. We will assist you.”

The case has deeply shaken communities across Southern California. As detectives continue piecing together what happened to Oscar Hernandez, advocates are calling for increased oversight in youth sports programs and urging families to speak up if they suspect abuse.

Garcia Aquino remains in custody. Authorities are asking for the public’s help in identifying any other children who may have had inappropriate contact with him.