An investigation is underway after authorities discovered a physique matching the outline of a lacking 13-year-old boy, Los Angeles police mentioned.
Oscar Omar Hernandez, of the San Fernando Valley, was reported lacking by his household on Sunday after he “did not return house from visiting an acquaintance in Lancaster,” LAPD Capt. Scot Williams mentioned in an announcement.
The Los Angeles Police Division’s Theft-Murder Division assumed the lead Tuesday within the investigation, which subsequently led them to an “space of curiosity” within the metropolis of Oxnard, west of Los Angeles, Williams mentioned.
“In collaboration with our companions on the FBI, a coordinated foot search of that space occurred,” Williams mentioned. “Through the search, a physique matching the outline of the lacking teen was found.”
The id of the deceased has not been formally confirmed, and the reason for dying stays undetermined, police mentioned.
Detectives are pursuing results in “decide the reason for dying and to establish any people who could also be concerned or possess data related to this investigation,” Williams mentioned.
Household and mates maintain a vigil for Oscar Omar Hernandez in Los Angeles, April 3, 2025.
KABC
LAPD Deputy Chief Alan Hamilton informed reporters on the scene in Oxnard on Wednesday that they have been working to ascertain a timeline within the case.
“The household was conscious of his vacation spot, and I’ll sort of depart it at that as a part of the investigation,” he mentioned.
Police wouldn’t say what led them to Oxnard.
“All we will say is that our investigation led us so far right here … within the unincorporated space of Ventura County,” Hamilton mentioned.
Household and mates of Oscar paid tribute to the teenager on Thursday on the website the place the physique was discovered on the facet of a highway in Oxnard.
“He did not must be handled like an animal. That was my son,” his mom, Gladys Bautista, cried out in Spanish, ABC Information’ Los Angeles station KABC reported.
Family members additionally gathered outdoors his house within the North Hollywood space, the place mates remembered him because the “nicest individual” who was “at all times kindhearted” and an excellent dancer.
Police didn’t have an replace on the investigation on Friday.
“Anybody that thinks they’ll get away with any sort of foul play or nefarious exercise or legal exercise, they’ll be taught that the Los Angeles Police Division will cease at nothing to carry individuals to justice,” Hamilton mentioned on the scene Wednesday.
