LOS ANGELES – A soccer coach from Southern California has been arrested in connection with the death of his 13-year-old player, Oscar Omar Hernandez.
Mario Garcia-Aquino, 43, from Lancaster, was named as the suspect in the alleged murder of Hernandez, according to Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman. Garcia-Aquino is accused of killing Hernandez on March 28, just days before the teen’s body was discovered near an Oxnard beach.
The discovery of Hernandez’s body led investigators to interview Garcia-Aquino, who had been coaching Hernandez’s soccer team. As the investigation continues, the district attorney’s office is considering the death penalty in the case. Hochman explained, “The death penalty is eligible under a charge of murder with special circumstances. He faces either life without parole or the death penalty. We are evaluating whether the death penalty is appropriate under our new policy.”
Before being linked to Hernandez’s death, Garcia-Aquino had been arrested on February 20 on unrelated child sex abuse charges. He had been a coach with the Hurricane Valley Boys Soccer Club in Sylmar, Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna confirmed.
Authorities found Hernandez’s body on April 2, about five days after the alleged murder, and Garcia-Aquino was arrested on April 7. Investigators are concerned that Garcia-Aquino may have targeted other victims, and they are urging anyone with information about Hernandez’s death or Garcia-Aquino to contact law enforcement.
The cause of Hernandez’s death has not been disclosed, and the investigation remains ongoing.
