Illegal Immigrant Soccer Coach Charged with Murdering, Raping Teen Player

Mario Edgardo Garcia-Aquino faces death penalty for alleged crimes against 13-year-old player

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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A 44-year-old illegal immigrant from El Salvador, Mario Edgardo Garcia-Aquino, has been charged with the murder and sexual assault of one of his 13-year-old soccer players, Oscar Hernandez. Garcia-Aquino, who had established himself as a youth soccer coach in the San Fernando Valley area, is now facing additional child sex charges including sodomy and oral copulation with a minor under 16. The Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office has slapped Garcia-Aquino with nine more child sex charges this week, and he could potentially face the death penalty for the alleged crimes.

Why it matters

This case highlights the dangers posed by illegal immigrants who exploit positions of trust with youth sports programs to prey on vulnerable children. It also raises concerns about immigration enforcement and whether more could have been done to prevent an illegal immigrant with a history of alleged sexual crimes from being able to access and abuse children in the community.

The details

According to the complaint, on March 28, Garcia-Aquino allegedly murdered 13-year-old Oscar Hernandez while sexually assaulting him. The complaint also accuses Garcia-Aquino of a second sexual assault and rape on a child from December 2022, as well as additional sexual assault charges from February 2024 involving a 14-year-old boy. Authorities say Garcia-Aquino "befriended" the 14-year-old's family through a local soccer program before the alleged assault.

  • On March 28, Garcia-Aquino allegedly murdered 13-year-old Oscar Hernandez while sexually assaulting him.
  • In December 2022, Garcia-Aquino allegedly committed a second sexual assault and rape on a child.
  • In February 2024, Garcia-Aquino allegedly committed additional sexual assault charges involving a 14-year-old boy.

The players

Mario Edgardo Garcia-Aquino

A 44-year-old illegal immigrant from El Salvador who established himself as a youth soccer coach in the San Fernando Valley area of Los Angeles.

Oscar Hernandez

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

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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. 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 (1010wcsi.com)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Garcia-Aquino to be released on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights the urgent need for stronger immigration enforcement and background checks to prevent illegal immigrants with criminal histories from gaining access to vulnerable children through youth sports programs. It also underscores the devastating impact that such predators can have on innocent victims and their families.