Monterey County Newborn Death: Authorities Search for Teen Girl and Man

The Monterey County newborn death investigation remains active as authorities search for a 14-year-old girl and a 38-year-old man. Investigators are calling the baby “Baby Angelita” as they continue working to determine what happened.

The case has led to an active murder investigation, while authorities are also investigating allegations involving the teenager’s father.

What Happened?

The Monterey County newborn death case began after a newborn was found along Struve Road on August 1.

Fire personnel arrived and confirmed that the baby was dead.

Investigators later determined that a 14-year-old girl had given birth near the roadway. According to authorities, the newborn was placed on the ground before the teenager left the area.

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A forensic examination later found signs of traumatic injury on the newborn, according to the Monterey County Sheriff’s Office.

Investigators have been referring to the baby as “Baby Angelita.”

Latest Updates of Monterey County Newborn Death

The investigation has now moved toward finding the teenager and Sergio Galvez Perez, 38.

Authorities are seeking the 14-year-old on suspicion of murder in connection with the newborn’s death. Because she is a minor, officials have not publicly released her identity.

Perez is also wanted on several charges. Authorities allege that he impregnated his teenage daughter and later helped conceal her from law enforcement.

The Sheriff’s Office says the allegations against Perez include incest, lewd or lascivious acts involving a child under 14, child concealment and other offenses.

During the investigation, detectives also arrested 36-year-old Ofelia Garcia Ortega on suspicion of child endangerment. She was booked into jail, later posted bail and was released.

Detectives used Flock license plate-reading cameras to help identify a vehicle connected to the investigation. Authorities said information from the system helped investigators identify people associated with the vehicle within about 53 hours.

What We Know

Several details about the Monterey County newborn death investigation have been released by authorities.

• A newborn was found dead on Struve Road in Monterey County on August 1.
• The baby is being referred to by investigators as “Baby Angelita.”
• Authorities say a 14-year-old gave birth near the roadway.
• The newborn was found with signs of traumatic injury, according to a forensic examination.
• The teenager is wanted on suspicion of murder.
• Sergio Galvez Perez, 38, is wanted on several charges related to the investigation.
• Ofelia Garcia Ortega, 36, was arrested on suspicion of child endangerment and later released after posting bail.
• Investigators used license plate-reader information as part of their investigation.
• Authorities are still trying to locate the teenager and Perez.

The investigation remains active, and additional details could be released as detectives continue their work.

Background | Monterey County Newborn Death

The investigation began after the newborn was discovered along Struve Road.

Detectives worked to identify a vehicle they believed could be connected to the case. The Sheriff’s Office said Flock license plate-reader information helped investigators track the vehicle and identify people associated with it.

The investigation then led detectives to information about the teenager and her father.

Authorities say Perez is the biological father of both the teenager and the newborn. The Sheriff’s Office is also investigating allegations that he sexually abused his daughter and concealed her from authorities.

Because the case involves a minor, some information has not been publicly released.

What Happens Next?

Authorities are expected to provide more information as the Monterey County newborn death investigation continues.

The Sheriff’s Office is asking the public to help if they have information that could lead investigators to either person.

Officials specifically warn the public not to approach Perez if they see him. Anyone who believes they have located him should call 911.

People with information can also contact Monterey County Sheriff’s Office Detective Sergeant Nicholas Kennedy at (831) 755-3773 or Detective Richard Geng at (831) 759-7279.

Authorities say people who provide information may remain anonymous.

As the investigation continues, detectives are expected to gather additional evidence and work to establish the full circumstances surrounding the newborn’s death.

FAQ about Monterey County Newborn Death

What is the Monterey County newborn death case?

It is an active investigation involving a newborn who was found dead along Struve Road in Monterey County on August 1. Authorities are investigating the death as a homicide.

Who is Baby Angelita?

“Baby Angelita” is the name investigators are using for the newborn girl who was found dead along the roadway.

Who are authorities looking for?

Investigators are searching for a 14-year-old girl and 38-year-old Sergio Galvez Perez. The teenager is wanted on suspicion of murder, while Perez faces several other allegations connected to the investigation.

What should people do if they see Perez?

Authorities say people should not approach him. Anyone who sees him should call 911 and allow law enforcement to handle the situation.

Sources / Official References

Primary source: Monterey County Sheriff’s Office

Additional reporting may be based on publicly available information from local news organizations.

Legal note: The charges and allegations described in this report are not findings of guilt. Any person accused of a crime is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court. The identity of the 14-year-old is not published because she is a minor.