The search for a missing California boy came to a tragic end after officers found his body on the side of a road in Oxnard, the Los Angeles Police Department said.
Oscar Omar Hernandez, 13, was reported missing on Sunday when he “failed to return home from visiting an acquaintance in Lancaster,” Capt. Scott Williams said.
The boy’s family said he went to his soccer coach’s home to help make jerseys. The coach reportedly told Oscar’s concerned father that he had dropped him off “near” their home.
The LAPD’s Robbery-Homicide division launched an investigation that led detectives to an “area of interest” in Oxnard, west of Los Angeles.
“In collaboration with our partners at the FBI, a coordinated foot search of that area took place,” Williams said.
“During the search, a body matching the description of the missing teen was discovered.”
The LAPS is working to “determine the cause of death and to identify any individuals who may be involved or possess information relevant to this investigation.”
On Thursday, family and friends of Oscar gathered for a vigil at the site where his body was discovered.
“He didn’t need to be treated like an animal. That was my son,” the boy’s grieving mother said.
