Los Angeles — A community in disheartenment convened on Saturday to honor the life of 13-year-old Oscar Omar Hernandez, whose tragic death has left friends, family, and schoolmates in deep sorrow. The young teen’s untimely demise came to light after his body was discovered last week following his disappearance after a meeting with his soccer coach in Lancaster.
Authorities have since arrested 43-year-old Mario Edgardo Garcia Aquino, the coach who had been scheduled to meet with Hernandez. Aquino now faces charges of murder with additional allegations pertaining to inappropriate conduct with a minor.
The grief-stricken family attended a moving funeral mass at the Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church in Hollywood where Hernandez’s casket lay surrounded by loved ones. The ceremony noted not only his absence but celebrated his brief yet impactful life filled with joy and passion for soccer.
During the service, the presence of Hernandez’s schoolmates was particularly poignant. One classmate, Andrew Barrios, shared memories with a local news team, recalling outings such as a class trip to a Dodger game where laughter and camaraderie filled their time together. “Devastated. Seeing a friend in a casket… still heartbreaking,” Barrios said, emphasizing the void Hernandez’s passing has left among his friends.
In a statement, Hernandez’s family expressed their profound devastation: “We are devastated by the unimaginable loss of our beloved son Oscar Omar Hernandez Bautista. His bright spirit and love for soccer brought joy to everyone who knew him. We are heartbroken that someone entrusted with his care could commit such a horrific act.”
They also took a moment to thank the community and all who have supported them during such a difficult time, reflecting the close-knit nature of their community and the broad impact of the tragedy.
Questions have since surfaced about how Aquino was permitted to continue coaching given a purported history of previous allegations against him. These concerns bring to light broader issues regarding the oversight and regulation of individuals in positions of authority over children within sports and other extracurricular activities.
As the legal process unfolds, the Hernandez family, along with local authorities, have urged anyone with additional information or those who may have been victimized themselves to come forward to aid the ongoing investigation.
The Los Angeles Police Department and the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department have provided contact numbers for tips from the public, insisting on thoroughness and diligence in seeking justice for Hernandez and potentially others affected by similar circumstances.
This case has not only shattered the hearts of a family but has also ignited critical discussions on the responsibilities and trust placed in coaches and mentors involved with youth activities. The community’s united front during this time encapsulates a shared determination for accountability and a fervent hope that such a tragedy does not reoccur.