In Los Angeles, a youth soccer coach from Southern California is facing severe charges related to the death of a 13-year-old boy, as well as accusations of assaulting other teens in the past few years, according to prosecutors. The coach, Mario Edgardo Garcia-Aquino, is currently facing allegations of multiple crimes, including the murder of Oscar Omar Hernandez. It has been reported by the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office that after committing the alleged murder, Garcia-Aquino disposed of the young boy’s body by leaving it on a roadside. During a brief court appearance on Tuesday, his arraignment was scheduled for the end of April.
The 43-year-old coach is formally charged with one count of murder, which includes a special circumstance related to murder during or while attempting lewd acts involving a minor. These charges could potentially result in either a death sentence or life imprisonment without parole. Additionally, prosecutors have charged Garcia-Aquino with committing a lewd act with a minor around the age of 14 or 15 at his previous residence in the suburb of Sylmar in 2022. He also faces allegations of assault with intent to commit a sexual act involving a 16-year-old boy in Palmdale earlier this year.
Oscar Omar Hernandez, the 13-year-old victim, was reported missing by his family in late March after he traveled to Lancaster, north of Los Angeles, to visit the coach. His remains were later discovered in Ventura County, further northwest. The victim’s mother, Gladys Bautista, described her son as a joyful child with a passion for soccer, expressing her anguish over his untimely death in a recent news interview.
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) disclosed that Garcia-Aquino, originating from El Salvador, is currently under scrutiny for deportation. They have requested local authorities to inform them prior to his release, in order to take him into custody. Although California’s sanctuary laws generally restrict cooperation between law enforcement and federal immigration authorities, exceptions are made for individuals convicted of severe violent crimes. The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department clarified through email that Garcia-Aquino’s immigration status is not a factor in their ongoing investigation.
The Los Angeles County Public Defender’s Office, representing Garcia-Aquino, extended their sympathies to the grieving family of the victim. Angela Cheung, leading the Major Cases Unit, stated that their team is dedicated to thoroughly examining all evidence and defending against these grave accusations, but refrained from further remarks at this time.
Garcia-Aquino, who coached for the Hurricane Valley boys soccer club in Sylmar, played a role in guiding various age groups within the team. Efforts to reach the club for comment were made through phone and text messages, yet remained unanswered. Soccer coaches in California often undergo licensing through Cal South, which requires a background check via fingerprinting by the Department of Justice. Queries to the association about GarcÃa-Aquino’s licensing status have yet to receive a response.