Illegal Immigrant Soccer Coach Charged with Rape and Murder of Teen Player

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

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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Mario Edgardo Garcia-Aquino, a 44-year-old illegal immigrant from El Salvador, has been charged with the rape and murder of 13-year-old soccer player Oscar Hernandez, as well as additional sexual assault charges involving other underage players he coached in the San Fernando Valley area of Los Angeles. Garcia-Aquino, who entered the U.S. illegally, allegedly targeted families without proper legal status to take advantage of their vulnerable situations.

Why it matters

This case highlights the dangers posed by illegal immigrants who exploit positions of trust, such as youth sports coaching, to prey on vulnerable children. It raises concerns about immigration enforcement and the need to keep dangerous criminals out of local communities, especially those involving minors.

The details

According to prosecutors, Garcia-Aquino established himself as a soccer coach in the San Fernando Valley and used his position to sexually assault multiple underage players, including 13-year-old Oscar Hernandez, whom he is accused of raping and murdering. The illegal immigrant is now facing a total of nine child sex charges, including eight counts of sodomy of a person under 16 and one count of oral copulation of a minor under 16. Authorities believe Garcia-Aquino may have targeted families without proper legal status, making them less likely to report his crimes.

  • 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 on numerous occasions.

The players

Mario Edgardo Garcia-Aquino

A 44-year-old illegal immigrant from El Salvador who established himself as a soccer coach in Southern California and is accused of sexually assaulting and murdering multiple underage players.

Oscar Hernandez

A 13-year-old soccer player who was allegedly raped and murdered by Garcia-Aquino.

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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)

What’s next

The Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office is prosecuting the case against Garcia-Aquino, and he could face the death penalty if convicted.

The takeaway

This case highlights the urgent need for stronger immigration enforcement and background checks to prevent dangerous criminals from exploiting vulnerable children, especially in positions of trust like youth sports coaching.