A tragic incident has unfolded in Sun Valley, California, where a 13-year-old boy named Oscar Omar Hernandez, known as Omar, was found dead. His family has been left devastated by the news that he died from acute alcohol poisoning. This revelation raises serious concerns about the circumstances leading up to his death, particularly the time he spent with his soccer coach, Mario Edgardo Garcia Aquino.
Garcia Aquino, 43, has been charged with murder, including special circumstances related to lewd acts with a child. He is an undocumented immigrant from El Salvador, and his background has drawn significant attention. Law enforcement officials described him as a “depraved illegal alien” who should not have been in the country. The exact duration of his stay in the U.S. remains unclear.
Omar had traveled to the Antelope Valley in late March to visit Garcia Aquino, who coached youth soccer with the Hurricane Valley boys’ soccer club. When Omar did not return home, his family reported him missing. Tragically, his body was discovered in a roadside ditch in Oxnard shortly after.
The family’s attorney, Michael Carrillo, expressed the overwhelming grief the Hernandezes are experiencing. The process has been painful, starting with Omar’s disappearance, followed by the discovery of his body, and now the heartbreaking revelation of alcohol intoxication as the cause of death.
Garcia Aquino has pleaded not guilty to the charges against him and is scheduled to return to court in August. His history includes previous investigations for alleged misconduct with minors, but he had not faced charges in those cases due to various circumstances, including a lack of testimony from victims.
The situation has sparked outrage and concern within the community, especially among immigrant families who feel vulnerable and unsafe. Many are questioning how such a tragedy could happen and what measures are in place to protect children from potential predators.
As the legal proceedings continue, the Hernandezes are left to grapple with their loss, while the community seeks answers and justice for Omar.