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 “didn’t return residence from visiting an acquaintance in Lancaster,” LAPD Capt. Scot Williams mentioned in a press release.
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 determine any people who could also be concerned or possess data related to this investigation,” Williams mentioned.
Household and associates 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 had been working to determine a timeline within the case.
“The household was conscious of his vacation spot, and I’ll form of depart it at that as a part of the investigation,” he mentioned.
Police wouldn’t say what led them to Oxnard.
“All we are able to say is that our investigation led us so far right here … within the unincorporated space of Ventura County,” Hamilton mentioned.
Household and associates of Oscar paid tribute to the teenager on Thursday on the web site the place the physique was discovered on the facet of a highway in Oxnard.
“He did not have to 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 residence within the North Hollywood space, the place associates remembered him because the “nicest individual” who was “all the time kindhearted” and an amazing dancer.
Police didn’t have an replace on the investigation on Friday.
“Anybody that thinks they are going to get away with any form of foul play or nefarious exercise or prison exercise, they are going to study that the Los Angeles Police Division will cease at nothing to carry folks to justice,” Hamilton mentioned on the scene Wednesday.
