Youth Soccer Coach Charged with Murder of 13-Year-Old

Community members discussing child safety near a soccer field

News Summary

A youth soccer coach, Mario Edgardo Garcia-Aquino, has been charged with first-degree murder after the body of 13-year-old Oscar Hernandez was found. The case raises serious concerns about child safety, as Garcia-Aquino is also accused of lewd acts with a child. Investigators are looking into past allegations involving the coach, and the community is responding with shock and calls for justice. Parents are urged to be vigilant about their children’s safety as the investigation unfolds.

Youth Soccer Coach Charged with Murder of 13-Year-Old

In a heartbreaking turn of events, a youth soccer coach has been charged with the murder of 13-year-old Oscar Omar Hernandez. The coach, Mario Edgardo Garcia-Aquino, 43, faces a serious count of first-degree murder following the tragic discovery of Oscar’s body on the side of a road in Oxnard, Ventura County.

Timeline of Events

Oscar was reported missing on March 30, 2025, just two days after he was last seen boarding a train to visit Garcia-Aquino in Lancaster. Sadly, he didn’t return home, prompting his family to alert authorities. After a heart-wrenching search, law enforcement located Oscar’s body, sparking a full investigation into the circumstances of his disappearance.

Charges and Allegations

Beyond the startling murder charge, Garcia-Aquino is under scrutiny for additional grave allegations. He is charged with lewd acts with a child during the commission of the murder, raising serious concerns about his conduct as a youth soccer coach. If proven guilty, he faces the possibility of the death penalty or life in prison without parole.

Prior Allegations

But that’s not all—investigators are looking into other past incidents involving Garcia-Aquino. He stands accused of sexually assaulting a 16-year-old male in February 2024 and another reported assault on a child aged 14 or 15 in December 2022. This troubling pattern has left many parents and members of the community in shock.

Community Reaction

The public reaction has been significant, with numerous calls flooding in about previous unreported incidents involving Garcia-Aquino after authorities held a news conference. The community is understandably shaken, as many families believed in the safety of the programs he was involved in.

Ongoing Investigations and Support for Victims

As the investigation unfolds, law enforcement is encouraging anyone with pertinent information or who may have been a victim to come forward. This support extends to individuals regardless of their immigration status, ensuring that all voices are heard and safety is prioritized.

Next Steps for the Case

Garcia-Aquino is presently held without bail, and he is due to appear in court again on April 30, 2025. Prosecutors have not yet decided on pursuing the death penalty in this case but have assured the public that they are committed to holding sexual predators accountable to the fullest extent of the law.

About Oscar Hernandez

Oscar was well-regarded in his soccer community, and he had met Garcia-Aquino through an after-school soccer program. His family allowed him to visit the coach, believing he was just helping with some soccer jersey designs. This trust makes the circumstances surrounding his death even more devastating.

The Importance of Safety and Awareness

What this tragic case highlights is the need for vigilance and communication within communities—especially concerning children’s safety. Parents are urged to be aware of who their children are spending time with and to be proactive in discussing any uncomfortable encounters.

As this painful story continues to unfold, the hope is that justice for Oscar will bring some closure to his family and that it will encourage other victims to come forward. The community is grieving a bright young life taken too soon, but there’s a united call for reforms that ensure safety in youth programs everywhere.