Football Coach Accused of Murder, Child Rapes in California
- LOS ANGELES, April 9, 2025 (AP) — Mario Edgardo Garcia-aquino, 43, is facing a murder charge in connection with the death of 13-year-old Oscar Omar Hernandez, whose body...
- Hernandez, a passionate soccer player according to friends, had been missing as late March.
- The examination revealed that Hernandez had visited garcia-Aquino,his soccer coach,in Lancaster,near Los Angeles,prior to his disappearance.
California Youth Soccer Coach Charged in teen’s Death; Faces Sexual Assault Allegations
LOS ANGELES, April 9, 2025 (AP) — Mario Edgardo Garcia-aquino, 43, is facing a murder charge in connection with the death of 13-year-old Oscar Omar Hernandez, whose body was discovered tuesday.Garcia-Aquino also faces accusations of sexual assault and rape, authorities said.
Hernandez, a passionate soccer player according to friends, had been missing as late March. His body was found near a road in Oxnard, Calif.,last Wednesday,according to NBC News.
The examination revealed that Hernandez had visited garcia-Aquino,his soccer coach,in Lancaster,near Los Angeles,prior to his disappearance. Los Angeles county Prosecutor Nathan Hochman stated that Garcia-Aquino is charged with murder under special circumstances, alleging the crime occurred “during the commission or attempted commission of lewd acts with a child.”
Prior Sexual Assault Charge
In Febuary 2024, Garcia-Aquino was charged in a separate case involving an alleged assault with intent to commit a lewd act against a 16-year-old boy. Additional accusations have surfaced, including rape and sexual assault involving two othre children, ages 14 and 15.One alleged incident occurred Dec. 10, 2022, at Garcia-Aquino’s Sylmar home, involving a teenage victim.
garcia-Aquino coached youth soccer in the Hurricane Valley boys’ football club in Sylmar. Following the revelation of Hernandez’s body, authorities expressed their condolences, stating, “most sincere condolences for this loss that words are not enough to describe.” They are urging anyone with information or testimonies regarding Garcia-Aquino to contact law enforcement.
Authorities Seek Witnesses, Potential Victims
Investigators indicated that garcia-Aquino “became friends with a family from Sylmar” through soccer in 2024 before inviting their son to stay overnight at his residence. Later, the family filed a police report with the Palmdale sheriff’s station, alleging sexual abuse.
“It is very important that we did justice, not only to the family that is here on my left, but also to all the families who may have been victims of this case,”
Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna said.
Garcia-Aquino faces a potential sentence of life in prison or the death penalty if convicted of Hernandez’s murder. A hearing is scheduled in the coming months, and authorities are seeking additional testimonies.
California Youth Soccer Coach Charged in TeenS Death: Your Questions Answered
This article provides answers to questions about the case of Mario Edgardo Garcia-Aquino, a California youth soccer coach charged in the death of a teenager and facing sexual assault allegations. We’ll break down the facts based on the initial reports to help you understand the situation.
What is Mario Edgardo Garcia-Aquino accused of?
Mario Edgardo Garcia-Aquino, 43, is facing a murder charge in connection with the death of 13-year-old Oscar Omar Hernandez. He also faces accusations of sexual assault and rape.
Where was the body of Oscar Omar Hernandez found?
The body of Oscar Omar Hernandez was found near a road in Oxnard, california.
when was Hernandez’s body discovered?
Hernandez’s body was discovered last Wednesday.
When was Oscar Omar Hernandez reported missing?
hernandez had been missing since late March.
Where did Hernandez visit before his disappearance?
The examination revealed that Hernandez had visited Garcia-Aquino, his soccer coach, in Lancaster, near Los Angeles, prior to his disappearance.
What is the prosecutor’s case against Garcia-Aquino?
Los Angeles County Prosecutor Nathan Hochman stated that Garcia-Aquino is charged with murder under special circumstances, alleging the crime occurred “during the commission or attempted commission of lewd acts with a child.”
What other charges does Garcia-Aquino face?
Besides the murder charge, Garcia-Aquino also faces accusations of:
Sexual assault
Rape
These allegations involve other children, ages 14, 15, and a 16-year-old boy.
Were there any prior accusations against Garcia-Aquino?
Yes. In February 2024, Garcia-Aquino faced a separate charge for assaulting a 16-year-old boy with the intent to commit a lewd act. Authorities also revealed additional accusations of rape and sexual assault involving two other children ages 14 and 15. Involving a teenage victim.
Where did Garcia-Aquino coach youth soccer?
Garcia-Aquino coached youth soccer in the Hurricane Valley boys’ football club in Sylmar.
Where has the family filed a police report?
Investigators indicated that garcia-Aquino befriended a family from Sylmar through soccer in 2024 before inviting their son to stay overnight at his residence. Later, the family filed a police report with the Palmdale sheriff’s station, alleging sexual abuse.
What are the potential consequences if Garcia-aquino is convicted?
If convicted of Hernandez’s murder, Garcia-Aquino faces a potential sentence of life in prison or the death penalty.
What are authorities seeking from the public?
Authorities are urging anyone with information or testimonies regarding Garcia-Aquino to contact law enforcement.
Where and when the case is unfolding?
A hearing is scheduled in the coming months.
summary of Allegations Against Mario Edgardo Garcia-Aquino
| Charge | Victim(s) | Alleged Incident Date | Location |
| :————————- | :———————- | :————————– | :————————- |
| Murder | Oscar Omar Hernandez | Undisclosed | Oxnard, CA |
| Sexual Assault & Rape | Oscar Omar Hernandez | Undisclosed | Various |
| Assault with Lewd Intent | 16-year-old boy | February 2024 (Prior case) | Undisclosed |
| Sexual Assault & Rape | 14 & 15-year-old boys | Dec. 10, 2022 | Garcia-Aquino’s home, Sylmar |
| Alleged Sexual Abuse | Unspecified family | 2024 | Palmdale |