Soccer Coach Charged with Murder After Teen’s Body Found in Oxnard

LOS ANGELES, Calif. — A youth soccer coach has been charged with murder in connection to the death of 13-year-old Oscar Omar Hernandez, whose body was discovered off a road in Oxnard, California, on April 2, 2025.

Oscar was reported missing on March 30, 2025, after failing to return home from a visit to his coach, 43-year-old Mario Edgardo Garcia-Aquino, in Lancaster. According to Los Angeles police, Oscar hadn’t been seen since he left his Sun Valley home on March 28 to meet Garcia-Aquino.

Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman announced the murder charges during a press briefing on Monday. Garcia-Aquino faces additional felony charges related to assault with intent to commit a lewd act against a 16-year-old boy from an unrelated incident in Palmdale on February 22, 2024.

Hochman expressed his condolences to the Hernandez family, stating, “These cases are tragic, and the Hernandez family, you have our deepest sympathy for a loss that words cannot even begin to describe.”

The investigation into Oscar’s disappearance led authorities to his body near Leo Carrillo State Beach. Hochman did not disclose specific details on the cause of death, stating that those details are still under investigation.

Garcia-Aquino was arrested on April 2 and is scheduled for arraignment on April 8. If convicted on the murder charge, he faces a potential life sentence without the possibility of parole, or the death penalty. He could face six years in prison for the assault charge if found guilty.

Authorities, including the Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna, are urging any potential additional victims or anyone with pertinent information regarding Garcia-Aquino’s conduct to come forward. “There’s always a fear that there’s more victims,” Luna said, emphasizing the importance of reporting any information.

Garcia-Aquino, who coached youth soccer in the Sylmar area, reportedly had no previous criminal history. However, Luna noted that the nature of the allegations could suggest the potential for more victims, encouraging those affected to seek help without fear of immigration status.

Oscar’s mother, Gladys Bautista, and family were present at the press briefing but did not comment publicly. The family, devastated by their loss, described Oscar as a happy child passionate about soccer. They held a vigil where their son’s body was found, mourning the tragic loss.

Hochman reiterated the sentiment of grief felt by the community, stating, “No parent should ever have to endure the unimaginable pain and sorrow of learning their child has been murdered.” As the investigation continues, authorities stress the importance of securing justice for Oscar and his family.