A youth soccer coach has been charged with the murder of a 13-year-old boy in Los Angeles. The suspect, Mario Edgardo Garcia-Aquino, 44, is also facing charges of child sexual abuse. The murder charge includes the special circumstance allegation of murder during the commission or attempted commission of lewd acts with a child. The victim, Oscar “Omar” Hernandez, was found dead in Ventura County, California.

Court documents reveal that Garcia-Aquino has also been charged with assaulting a 14-year-old boy in December 2022. The charges include assault with intent to commit a felony and a lewd act upon a child. The complaint alleges that Garcia-Aquino assaulted the boy, identified as Julian A, with the intent to commit rape, sodomy, and oral copulation.

Furthermore, Garcia-Aquino faces a felony count of assault with the intent to commit a sexual offense for allegedly sexually assaulting a 16-year-old boy in Palmdale in February 2024.

Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman explained that the delay in bringing charges in the sexual assault cases was due to the lengthy process of gathering evidence. Additional interviews and forensic evidence analysis were required. The final interview with the victim in the 2022 case was recently completed, allowing the case to move forward.

Hochman stated that the full timelines of the cases would be revealed during the trial. The District Attorney's office has been contacted for further information regarding the 2022 assault.

Reports indicate that Garcia-Aquino entered the country illegally. U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli commented on the arrest, stating that the crime was avoidable and a result of failed border policies. He emphasized that illegal aliens who commit crimes against children will not be tolerated.