Man, teen girl sought after newborn found dead near California’s Highway 1

By Tim Fang

A man and his 14-year-old daughter, whom he is accused of impregnating, are being sought after the teen’s newborn baby was found dead near Highway 1 in Monterey County, said Sheriff Tina Nieto.

The child was found off Struve Road, near Highway 1 north of Moss Landing, on the morning of August 1. Firefighters pronounced the newborn dead at the scene. During the investigation, detectives determined that a juvenile female gave birth to “Baby Angelita” along the side of the road and placed her on the ground before leaving.

 A post-mortem examination found signs of traumatic injury, officials said.

The Monterey County Sheriff’s Office identified a suspect in the case as 38-year-old Sergio Galvez Perez and said they are searching for him and his teen daughter. Perez is wanted on suspicion of incest, lewd or lascivious acts with a child under 14, lewd acts with a minor, unlawful sexual intercourse, child concealment and child endangerment.

The teen girl also has a warrant for her arrest on suspicion of murder, officials said.  

On Monday, the Sheriff’s Office provided an update on the investigation into the death of the infant, who investigators are referring to as “Baby Angelita” or “Baby Angel” and said they can confirm that Perez is the biological father of the teen girl and of the infant who was found dead.

“We will do everything we can to make sure her life is not forgotten and that those responsible are held accountable,” the sheriff’s office said.  

During the investigation, detectives arrested 36-year-old Ofelia Garcia Ortega of Castroville / Salinas on suspicion of child endangerment in the case. Deputies said Ortega had posted bail and was released from custody. Nieto said the woman is the biological mother of the teen girl.

Deputies said anyone who may see Perez should contact law enforcement immediately and not approach him.

Nieto said they used license plate readers to find a vehicle of interest in the case and potential suspects.

“Providing our detectives with effective investigative tools strengthens their ability to solve crimes and protect our communities. This case demonstrates the value of that investment,” said Nieto. “Most importantly, we cannot lose sight of Baby Angelita, an innocent child whose life was tragically lost. We remain committed to seeking justice on her behalf.”

Anyone with additional information about the case or the whereabouts of Perez or the 14-year-old is asked to contact Detective Sgt. Nicholas Kennedy at 831-755-3773 or Detective Richard Geng at 831-759-7279.