A collaborative effort between local and federal agencies has ensued following the grim discovery of a body believed to be that of Oscar Omar Hernandez, the 13-year-old San Fernando Valley boy reported missing since Sunday. The Los Angeles Police Department and the FBI located the body in Ventura County, near McGrath State Beach and the Santa Clara River, according to FOX LA.
Hernandez was last seen after traveling to Lancaster to meet an acquaintance, and his subsequent disappearance launched an intensive search operation. In a statement obtained by KTLA, LAPD Chief of Detectives Alan Hamilton said, "Unfortunately, we believe we’ve discovered someone that’s related to an investigation that we’ve been working on for the last couple of days. We believe we’ve discovered the body of a missing juvenile," acknowledging the tragic turn in the investigation.
Unanswered questions have tormented the teen's family since Hernandez failed to come home, further exacerbated after attempts to reach him were met with evasive responses by the acquaintance he visited. Speaking to NBC Los Angeles, Oscar's mother articulated her grief and desire for justice for her son, remembered for his love of soccer and described as a lovable boy.
While official confirmation of the body's identity by the Ventura County coroner is pending, the police have not wavered in their efforts. "We are going to follow every lead," Hamilton assured, as quoted by NBC Los Angeles. Here, the collaboration with the FBI has intensified the search for persons of interest in the tragic case.
The case remains active and developing. Chief Hamilton has promised thoroughness and transparency, stating that law enforcement will report back to the public promptly on their findings. The LAPD is also providing support to Hernandez's family during this devastating time. Meanwhile, anyone with potential information related to the case is encouraged to reach out to the L.A. Regional Crime Stoppers Hotline at 800-222-8477, as mentioned by KTLA.
