Mario Edgardo Garcia-Aquino, a 43-year-old youth soccer coach in California, has been charged with the murder of his young player, Oscar "Omar" Hernandez. The incident occurred in Lancaster on March 28, when Hernandez was reported missing two days after he went to visit Garcia-Aquino. Subsequently, on April 2, his body was found near Leo Carillo State Beach, raising serious concerns about the events leading to his death.

Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman revealed in a press conference that Garcia-Aquino is an illegal immigrant from El Salvador. He is being charged with one count of murder that includes a special circumstance allegation, which could make him eligible for the death penalty. If convicted, he could also face life imprisonment without parole. In addition, on a related note, he has been charged with assaulting a 16-year-old boy in February 2024, demonstrating a troubling pattern of behavior.

Hernandez, a resident of the San Fernando Valley and a seventh grader at Sun Valley Magnet School, was described by friends as a promising soccer player. Garcia-Aquino, who was associated with the Hurricane Valley Boys Soccer Club, reportedly had no prior criminal record before these allegations surfaced. Authorities have urged anyone who may have been victimized by Garcia-Aquino to come forward, as the investigation continues into his actions.