Coach charged with murder of 13-year-old after body found in Oxnard

In the United States, the tragic case of 13-year-old Oscar Omar Hernandez has gained significant attention following his disappearance and subsequent murder. Oscar was last seen leaving his home on March 28, 2024, to visit his soccer coach, Mario Edgardo Garcia-Aquino, in Lancaster, California. His family reported him missing two days later after he failed to return home. During this time, the family received suspicious messages from Oscar's phone, which ultimately led them to question his safety. Investigators later discovered Oscar's body near a wooded area in Oxnard, raising alarm about the circumstances surrounding his death. Mario Edgardo Garcia-Aquino, 43, has been charged with murder and additional charges related to lewd acts with a child. According to law enforcement officials, Garcia-Aquino allegedly killed Oscar shortly after he invited him to his home, under the pretense of assisting with making soccer jerseys. The investigation revealed that Garcia-Aquino was an undocumented immigrant from El Salvador, which adds complexity to the case involving not only a murder but also potential implications regarding illegal immigration and the safety of children. The case has prompted calls from law enforcement for any other potential victims of Garcia-Aquino to come forward. Authorities have expressed concern about his past, which includes a separate investigation involving child sexual abuse that remains active and ongoing. The family's grief has been compounded by the shocking nature of the crime, and community support has bolstered their efforts to seek justice. A vigil was held in Oscar's honor where family members openly expressed their sorrow and called for accountability. As the legal process unfolds, the District Attorney’s Office has indicated they are pursuing the maximum penalties available under the law should Garcia-Aquino be convicted. Oscar's mother and family have reiterated their determination not only to seek justice for Oscar but also to ensure that no other families endure similar tragedies. This case highlights the vulnerabilities that children face when being entrusted to adults, even in community settings like sports coaching.