Who Was Oscar Omar Hernandez?

Oscar Omar Hernandez was a vibrant 13-year-old student at Sun Valley Magnet School in the San Fernando Valley. Originally from Honduras, he moved to the United States three years ago with dreams of a better life. Known for his love of soccer, Oscar was described by his family as a happy, energetic child who had recently received his visa to visit relatives back home—a milestone he was excited to celebrate. His untimely death has shattered those dreams and left his loved ones reeling.

The Timeline of Oscar’s Disappearance and Death

Oscar’s tragic journey began on March 29, 2025, when he was last seen with his soccer coach, Mario Edgardo Garcia Aquino. Here’s how events unfolded:

• March 29, 2025: Oscar was reportedly with his coach, a man his family trusted. When his brother tried calling him that day, the coach answered, claiming Oscar was unavailable—a detail that would later haunt the family.
• March 30, 2025: After failing to return home from a visit to an acquaintance in Lancaster, over 70 miles from his North Hollywood home, Oscar was reported missing.
• April 1, 2025: The Los Angeles Police Department’s Robbery-Homicide Division stepped in, focusing their search on Oxnard, a coastal city more than 60 miles from Lancaster.
• April 2, 2025: A body matching Oscar’s description was discovered near McGrath State Beach in Oxnard. The next day, his family confirmed the devastating news—it was Oscar.

The distance between where Oscar was last seen and where his body was found has only deepened the mystery, leaving investigators and the public searching for clues.

The Soccer Coach Connection: Mario Edgardo Garcia Aquino

At the center of this tragedy is Mario Edgardo Garcia Aquino, a 43-year-old soccer coach who was reportedly the last person seen with Oscar. The Hernandez family has pointed the finger at him, alleging he was with Oscar on the day he vanished. Adding fuel to their suspicions, Garcia Aquino was arrested on April 2, 2025—the same day Oscar’s body was found—for an unrelated sexual assault case from 2024. While he hasn’t been charged in connection with Oscar’s death, his arrest has intensified scrutiny on his potential involvement.

Details about Garcia Aquino’s coaching role remain sparse, but he’s believed to have worked with local youth soccer teams, possibly a club Oscar was part of. The family claims he told them he dropped Oscar off near their home, yet the boy never made it back—a discrepancy that has fueled their distrust.

What Happened to Oscar? The Investigation Continues

As of April 5, 2025, the cause of Oscar’s death remains a mystery. The Los Angeles Police Department, with assistance from the FBI, is working tirelessly to piece together the events that led to his body being found so far from home. Key questions linger:

• How did Oscar end up in Oxnard, over 70 miles from Lancaster?
• What role, if any, did his coach play in his disappearance and death?
• Could forensic evidence or phone records unlock the truth?

While Garcia Aquino is in custody for the unrelated charge, authorities have emphasized that he’s not currently facing charges tied to Oscar’s case. The investigation is ongoing, with police urging anyone with information to come forward.

A Community in Mourning

Oscar’s death has sent shockwaves through North Hollywood and beyond. On April 3, 2025, family and friends gathered for vigils to honor the teen, remembering him as a joyful child who loved soccer and brought light to those around him. His father, Daniel, has publicly expressed the family’s anguish and their demand for justice, vowing not to rest until they know what happened to their son.

The case has also sparked broader conversations about safety in youth sports. With a coach now linked to both Oscar’s final days and a separate assault case, parents are questioning how well coaches are vetted and what measures can prevent such tragedies.

Why This Case Matters

The death of Oscar Omar Hernandez isn’t just a local story—it’s a wake-up call. It highlights the vulnerability of young athletes who place their trust in authority figures like coaches. The fact that Oscar’s body was found so far from where he was last seen suggests a complex sequence of events that demands answers. For now, his family and community are left grappling with grief, while the investigation seeks to uncover the truth.

Stay Updated on Oscar Omar Hernandez’s Case

As new details emerge, this case continues to evolve. The unanswered questions—how Oscar died, why he was in Oxnard, and what role his coach may have played—keep it in the spotlight. For the latest updates on this heartbreaking story, keep checking back as authorities work to bring clarity and closure to a family in pain.

Oscar’s story is a reminder of the fragility of trust and the importance of vigilance. His love for soccer should have been a source of joy, not a path to tragedy. Until justice is served, his memory lives on in the hearts of those who knew him—and in the resolve of a community seeking answers.