Introduction to the Case
The family of a 13-year-old Sun Valley boy who was sexually abused and killed, allegedly by a youth soccer coach, announced the filing of damages claims Monday against the city and county of Los Angeles.
LOS ANGELES — The family of Oscar “Omar” Hernandez claim the city and county failed to conduct background checks on the suspect, Mario Edgardo Garcia-Aquino before allowing him to work as a coach with access to young boys.
The Alleged Crimes
Garcia-Aquino was charged in April with murder in connection with the death of the boy, whose body was found by the side of a road in Oxnard. Authorities say the teen traveled March 28 to Lancaster to see his soccer coach and was never seen again. He was reported missing March 30, and his body was found just days later.
The murder charge includes the special circumstance allegation of murder during the commission or attempted commission of a lewd act with a child.
Garcia-Aquino was also charged with one count each of assault with the intent to commit a sexual offense and lewd act on a child 14 or 15 years old. Those charges involve a different teenage boy who was allegedly sexually assaulted Dec. 10, 2022, at a home in Sylmar where the defendant was living at the time, according to the District Attorney’s Office.
Previous Charges Against Garcia-Aquino
Garcia-Aquino was charged previously in a separate case with a felony count of assault with the intent to commit a lewd act involving a 16-year-old boy in Palmdale on Feb. 22, 2024.
Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna said in April that Garcia-Aquino was a youth travel soccer coach with the Hurricane Valley Boys Soccer Club, working with different age divisions in the Sylmar area, and had no reported criminal history.
The Family’s Claims
At a news conference Monday, attorney Luis Carrillo said there had been three allegations of criminal wrongdoing by the coach, “but he was never arrested.”
Attorney Michael Carrillo added, “This family trusted that this coach, that these parks, that this community would take care of them and take care of their child.”
The attorneys contend that neither the city nor county conducted any background checks on Garcia-Aquino, leading him to groom, sexually abuse then murder Oscar.
Seeking Damages
The legal claims seek unspecified damages. If the city and county do not respond to the claims, the family can proceed with a lawsuit.
Conclusion
The family of Oscar "Omar" Hernandez is seeking justice and damages from the city and county of Los Angeles for the alleged murder and sexual abuse of their 13-year-old son by a youth soccer coach. The case highlights the importance of conducting thorough background checks on individuals working with children and the devastating consequences of failing to do so.
FAQs
Q: Who is the suspect in the case?
A: The suspect is Mario Edgardo Garcia-Aquino, a youth soccer coach.
Q: What are the charges against Garcia-Aquino?
A: Garcia-Aquino is charged with murder, assault with the intent to commit a sexual offense, and lewd act on a child.
Q: Why is the family seeking damages from the city and county?
A: The family claims that the city and county failed to conduct background checks on Garcia-Aquino, leading to the murder and sexual abuse of their son.
Q: What is the next step in the case?
A: If the city and county do not respond to the claims, the family can proceed with a lawsuit.
