News Summary
The parents of 13-year-old Oscar Omar Hernandez have filed a lawsuit against the City of Los Angeles, claiming negligence in allowing a youth soccer coach with a history of abuse to work with children. Mario Edgardo Garcia-Aquino, accused of murdering and abusing Omar, had prior allegations that were not fully investigated. The lawsuit highlights the need for thorough background checks to protect children in recreational programs. The case has drawn attention to the city’s oversight and the responsibilities of law enforcement regarding potential risks.
Los Angeles – The family of a 13-year-old boy, Oscar Omar Hernandez, who was tragically murdered, has filed a lawsuit against the City of Los Angeles. The suit claims that the city failed to conduct adequate background checks on Mario Edgardo Garcia-Aquino, the youth soccer coach accused of sexually abusing and killing Omar.
The notice of claim was filed by Oscar’s parents, Oscar Daniel Hernandez and Gladys Bautista Vasquez, on September 11. They allege that the city’s negligence exposed children to significant harm by improperly granting coaching permits to Garcia-Aquino, who had previously faced sexual abuse allegations. Garcia-Aquino had coached Omar at the Hurricane Valley Boys Soccer Club in Sylmar.
Omar’s body was discovered in a roadside ditch in Ventura County in April, shortly after he had gone missing while visiting Garcia-Aquino’s home to assist with soccer jerseys. Authorities reported that Omar died from alcohol poisoning. The investigation into his death has drawn significant attention, particularly due to the troubling history of Garcia-Aquino.
Garcia-Aquino has been charged with murder, and special circumstance allegations of lewd acts with a child have also been filed against him. He has pleaded not guilty to all charges and is currently awaiting trial. Previous investigations by the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) into allegations of sexual abuse against Garcia-Aquino did not lead to any charges due to a lack of cooperation from victims.
In 2024, more allegations of abuse emerged concerning another player, compounding the concerns surrounding Garcia-Aquino’s conduct. This subsequent claim faced significant delays in processing due to a backlog in the district attorney’s office, which had surpassed 10,000 cases but has since decreased to below 5,000.
The family’s attorney, Michael Carrillo, argues that the City of Los Angeles should have taken the necessary steps to inform parents of any prior sexual abuse allegations against Garcia-Aquino. Carrillo emphasized the importance of communication between law enforcement and city officials regarding potential risks associated with the coach.
Garcia-Aquino’s arrest also raised alarms due to his status as an undocumented immigrant, a fact criticized by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. In light of the events, the Hernandez family is calling for accountability not only from the city but also from the county regarding the lack of oversight in permitting Garcia-Aquino to coach children. The amount of damages sought by the family in the lawsuit has not been publicly disclosed.
The case’s development has led county officials to seek out any additional potential victims of Garcia-Aquino’s alleged misconduct. The family has also urged others who may have suffered abuse at the hands of Garcia-Aquino to come forward.
In the hours leading up to Omar’s disappearance, his family had taken him to the train station to visit his coach for soccer-related activities, setting the stage for the tragic events that followed. The investigation into his death was significantly aided by efforts from the FBI, which ultimately led to the location of Omar’s body.
The Hernandez family’s legal action serves as a pressing reminder of the importance of thorough background checks and due diligence in safeguarding children within recreational programs. The consequences of negligence in these areas can have devastating impacts, as tragically exemplified in this case.
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Additional Resources
- ABC7 News
- Los Angeles Times
- KESQ News
- Google Search: Omar Hernandez soccer coach background check
- CBS News
- Wikipedia: Child protection
Author: STAFF HERE HOLLYWOOD
The Hollywood Staff Writer represents the experienced team at HEREHollywood.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Hollywood, Los Angeles County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Hollywood Bowl summer concerts, the Hollywood Christmas Parade, film premieres at TCL Chinese Theatre, and festivals at the Magic Castle. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce and Visit Hollywood, plus leading businesses in entertainment, dining, and tourism that define the local economy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERELosAngeles.com, HEREBeverlyHills.com, HEREAnaheim.com, and HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Southern California's dynamic landscape.
