Mario Edgardo Garcia Aquino, a youth soccer coach in California, has been charged with murder in the death of one of his 13-year-old players, Oscar Omar Hernandez. The charge includes the special circumstance allegation of murder during the commission or attempted commission of lewd acts with a child. Garcia Aquino, 43, is facing a possible death sentence or life in prison without the possibility of parole for Hernandez’s death. Police are now searching for additional victims who may have been sexually assaulted by the coach.
Garcia Aquino was arrested on an unrelated warrant for allegedly sexually assaulting a 16-year-old boy in Palmdale in February 2024. The family of the victim reported the abuse to the Palmdale Sheriff’s Station, leading to an investigation by the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Special Victims Bureau North team. These allegations came to light when Garcia Aquino became a suspect in Hernandez’s disappearance and eventual death. The LAPD was informed of the sexual abuse allegations, which prompted his arrest in connection to the murder of Hernandez.
On March 28, Hernandez went to see Garcia Aquino and boarded a Metrolink train to Palmdale to help the coach at a complex. When he did not return home that evening, his family began looking for him. Garcia Aquino allegedly picked up Hernandez’s phone when his brother Jose tried to call, indicating that the teen was unavailable. Later, the coach claimed he had dropped the boy off “near” the family’s home. The family contacted the police on March 30, and Hernandez’s body was found in a wooded area of Ventura County two days later, more than 70 miles from his home.
Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman expressed profound sorrow for Hernandez’s family, stating that no parent should have to endure the pain of learning their child has been murdered. Hernandez’s cause of death remains unknown. His family and friends held a vigil at the site where his body was discovered. His mother, Gladys Bautista, expressed devastation over her son’s treatment and death. Police are now urging any other potential victims of Garcia Aquino to come forward to ensure accountability for everyone who may have been targeted by the coach.
In light of the murder of Hernandez and the sexual assault allegations from 2024, police are encouraging any others who may have been victimized by Garcia Aquino to report their experiences. There is a concern that there may be additional victims, and authorities want to ensure that everyone impacted by his actions is identified and supported. LAPD Chief McDonnell assured potential victims that reports would be treated with sensitivity, regardless of the individual’s background. Victims or individuals with information are urged to contact the Los Angeles Police Department or the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department to provide any relevant details in the case.
