Accused Soccer Coach Arrested for 13-Year-Old Boy's Homicide, According to District Attorneys
Rewritten Article:
A 43-year-old soccer coach, Mario Edgardo Garcia-Aquino, is currently in hot water following his arrest in the murder of a 13-year-old boy, Oscar "Omar" Hernandez. The disturbing incident occurred in Ventura County, California last week. Apart from the murder charge, Garcia-Aquino is also facing allegations in two separate sexual abuse cases.
As per sources, Garcia-Aquino is an undocumented immigrant from El Salvador. He stands accused of murder with a special circumstance allegation of committing the crime during the commission of lewd acts with a child, making him eligible for the death penalty.
The gruesome details surrounding Hernandez's death have yet to be disclosed. Efforts to confirm whether Garcia-Aquino has acquired legal representation have so far proven unsuccessful.
Oscar Hernandez had gone missing on March 30 after boarding a train to visit Garcia-Aquino at his home in Lancaster. Authorities allege that the coach then killed Hernandez and dumped his body in Oxnard, approximately 60 miles away, where it was discovered on April 2.
Garcia-Aquino served as a youth travel soccer coach with the Hurricane Valley Boys' Soccer Club in the Sylmar area, working with various age groups. His criminal history, fortunately, was non-existent prior to these shocking events. The authorities are now actively seeking additional victims in the child sexual abuse case.
The complaint against Garcia-Aquino was amended on Tuesday to include one felony count each of assault with the intent to commit a sexual offense and lewd acts upon a child 14 or 15 years old. According to the district attorney, he is alleged to have sexually assaulted a teenager at his residential premises in Sylmar on December 10, 2022, and a 16-year-old boy in Palmdale on February 22, 2024, in a separate case.
In a heart-wrenching moment during the news briefing, the district attorney expressed his deepest sympathies to the Hernandez family. The federal agents have been collaborating with local law enforcement officials in the investigation.
US Attorney Bill Essayli for the Central District of California stated that this tragedy is the result of failed border policies, being adamant that they will not tolerate illegal aliens who violate immigration laws and exploit children.
Sheriff Robert Luna revealed that in 2024, Garcia-Aquino befriended a Sylmar family and was allowed to house their minor child. The family subsequently reported sexual abuse, leading to an investigation by the Special Victims Bureau - North Team. Working collaboratively with the Los Angeles County District Attorney's office, they discovered another unrelated child sexual abuse case managed by the Los Angeles Police Department’s Foothill division, suggesting that Garcia-Aquino may have preyed upon multiple minors.
Garcia-Aquino is currently in custody without bail, and his arraignment has been postponed. He is yet to enter a plea regarding the charges against him. Conversations are ongoing regarding the potential application of the death penalty. The investigation continues as authorities work diligently to gather more evidence and ensure that any other possible victims come forward.
- The US Attorney, Bill Essayli, has stated that the tragic events are a result of failed border policies, asserting that they will not tolerate illegal aliens who violate immigration laws and exploit children, such as Mario Edgardo Garcia-Aquino.
- In a separate child sexual abuse case, prosecutors have amended the complaint against Garcia-Aquino on Tuesday to include one felony count each of assault with the intent to commit a sexual offense and lewd acts upon a child 14 or 15 years old.
- Following his arrest in the murder of 13-year-old Oscar "Omar" Hernandez, Garcia-Aquino is currently facing prosecution for a tragic physical incident that took place last week in Ventura County, California.
