Illegal Immigrant Youth Soccer Coach Charged with Murder, Rape of Teen Player

Mario Edgardo Garcia-Aquino faces death penalty for alleged crimes against minors in Southern California

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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Mario Edgardo Garcia-Aquino, a 44-year-old illegal immigrant from El Salvador, has been charged with the murder and sexual assault of one of his youth soccer players, 13-year-old Oscar Hernandez, as well as additional charges of sexually assaulting other minors he coached. Garcia-Aquino, who entered the U.S. illegally, established himself as a soccer coach in the San Fernando Valley area, where he allegedly met and attacked his victims, some of whom he is accused of targeting due to their own immigration status.

Why it matters

This case highlights the dangers posed by illegal immigrants who exploit positions of trust to prey on vulnerable children, as well as the need for stronger border security and immigration enforcement to prevent such tragedies. It also raises concerns about the vetting process for youth sports coaches and the need for greater protections for minors involved in community programs.

The details

According to the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office, Garcia-Aquino has been charged with nine additional counts of child sexual abuse, including eight counts of sodomy of a person under 16 and one count of oral copulation of a minor under 16. He has pleaded not guilty to the new charges. The initial charges against Garcia-Aquino include the murder and sexual assault of 13-year-old Oscar Hernandez, as well as the sexual assault of a 14-year-old boy whom he allegedly befriended through a local soccer program.

  • On March 28, Garcia-Aquino allegedly murdered 13-year-old Oscar Hernandez while sexually assaulting him.
  • In December 2022, Garcia-Aquino is accused of sexually assaulting another child.
  • Between September 2022 and July 2023, Garcia-Aquino allegedly assaulted a 14-year-old boy numerous times.

The players

Mario Edgardo Garcia-Aquino

A 44-year-old illegal immigrant from El Salvador who established himself as a soccer coach in the San Fernando Valley area of Southern California, where he allegedly met and sexually assaulted several of his young players, including one he is accused of murdering.

Oscar Hernandez

A 13-year-old boy who was allegedly murdered and sexually assaulted by Garcia-Aquino.

Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office

The office prosecuting the case against Garcia-Aquino and has filed additional child sex charges against him.

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What they’re saying

“13-year-old Oscar "Omar" Hernandez was an innocent child who was exploited and killed by this depraved illegal alien who should have never been in this country.”

— Department of Homeland Security (Fox News)

“Under President Trump and Secretary Noem's leadership, child predators, pedophiles and murderers will be hunted down and removed from America's communities.”

— Department of Homeland Security (Fox News)

What’s next

The judge will decide on Tuesday whether to allow Garcia-Aquino to be released on bail as the case proceeds.

The takeaway

This tragic case underscores the need for stronger border security, tighter vetting of youth sports coaches, and greater protections for vulnerable children in community programs, especially those from immigrant families. It also highlights the devastating consequences when illegal immigrants are able to exploit positions of trust to prey on minors.