The Los Angeles space soccer coach charged with the homicide of a 13-year-old participant whose physique was present in a ditch greater than 70 miles from his house is reportedly an unlawful migrant from El Salvador — who can be accused of sexually assaulting one other teen boy.
Mario Edgardo Garcia Aquino, 43, was residing in the US illegally when he allegedly killed teen Oscar Omar Hernandez, “a number of regulation enforcement sources” advised Invoice Melugin of Fox Information.
Hernandez “was an harmless youngster who was exploited and killed by this wicked unlawful alien who ought to have by no means been on this nation,” Division of Homeland Safety spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin advised the outlet.
“Below President Trump and Secretary Noem’s management, youngster predators, pedophiles, and murderers will probably be hunted down and faraway from America’s communities.”
The LA County Sheriff’s Workplace, District Legal professional’s Workplace and Los Angeles Police Division haven’t formally confirmed Garcia Aquino’s immigration standing, however unidentified sources additionally advised the Los Angeles Instances that the accused killer is within the nation illegally.
Garcia Aquino was arrested by LAPD on April 2 on an unrelated warrant for allegedly sexually assaulting a 16-year-old boy in Palmdale on Feb. 22, 2024, LA District Legal professional Nathan Hochman introduced Monday.
Hernandez had been lacking for 4 days when investigators discovered his physique in Ventura County — greater than 70 miles from his household’s Lancaster residence, police stated.
The boy’s grieving household pointed the finger at Garcia Aquino, whom they trusted and stated was with him the day Hernandez vanished.
The teenager’s reason behind dying stays unknown, however Garcia Aquino was charged with one rely of homicide with the particular circumstance allegation of homicide throughout the fee or tried fee of lewd acts with a baby.
Police in California are trying to find further victims whom Garcia Aquino might have sexually assaulted after he was formally charged with Hernandez’s dying.
In a Monday press convention, Hochman gave a timeline of the harrowing seek for the teenager.
On March 28, the 13-year-old went to see Garcia Aquino and boarded a Metrolink practice to Palmdale to assist the soccer coach at a fancy.
Nevertheless, when the teenager didn’t return residence that night, his household started searching for him.
Whereas trying to find their cherished one, Garcia Aquino had allegedly picked up Hernandez’s cellphone the day he was reported lacking when his brother, Jose, tried to name and advised him the teenager was unavailable.
Later, the coach allegedly advised Hernandez’s father that he had dropped the boy off “close to” the household’s residence — prompting them to contact police on March 30 and report him lacking.
Investigators discovered the 13-year-old’s physique in a wooded space of Ventura County two days later.
Within the wake of the homicide and the sexual assault cost from 2024, police at the moment are urging every other potential victims whom Garcia Aquino might have focused to step ahead.
“There’s all the time a concern that there are extra victims and we wish to be sure that we account for everyone on the market,” LA County Sheriff Robert Luna stated Monday.
“For some cause, anyone fears coming ahead, whilst a youth or a household, as a result of you might be right here undocumented, we’re not going to ask about that. Please, you have to come ahead. We are going to help you.”
LAPD Chief Jim McDonnell additionally assured every other victims that any studies delivered to them can be handled “as sensitively because it must be handled.”
Victims or anybody with info is requested to contact the Los Angeles Police Division at (818) 374-5415 or the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Division at (877) 710-5273.
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