A 14-year-old girl is wanted on suspicion of murder after the body of a newborn was found beside a road near Moss Landing in California, while a 38-year-old man is accused of concealing her, authorities said.
The Monterey County Sheriff’s Office issued an arrest warrant for the teenager in connection with the death of the baby, known to investigators as “Baby Angelita”. Sergio Galvez Perez is also wanted on several child sex and safeguarding-related charges.
Newborn found near Moss Landing
Deputies, firefighters and emergency medical crews were called to the 100 block of Struve Road at about 8.30am on 1 August after the infant was discovered alongside the road. Fire personnel confirmed that the baby was dead at the scene.
Investigators believe the teenager gave birth by the roadside, placed the newborn on the ground and left. A post-mortem forensic examination found signs of traumatic injury, according to the sheriff’s office.
Detectives have not released the teenager’s name because she is a minor. The allegations against her have not been tested in court.
Authorities say Perez is currently hiding the girl and preventing officers from locating her. He is wanted on suspicion of incest, sexual offences involving a child, unlawful sexual intercourse, child concealment and child endangerment.
Car recovered during Baby Angelita investigation
The investigation led detectives to a beige 2010 Mercury Milan linked to the case through Flock automatic number plate cameras. The vehicle, bearing California registration 6HCR883, has since been recovered.
Officers are seeking witnesses who saw the car or its occupants in the Moss Landing and Salinas areas on 1 or 2 August. They have also asked residents, motorists and businesses to check dashcam, security or other video footage that could assist the inquiry.
A 36-year-old woman, Ofelia Garcia Ortega, was arrested on suspicion of child endangerment. She was released after posting bail, and the sheriff’s office has not disclosed the nature of her alleged connection to the case.
Investigators have not released details of the relationship between the three people linked to the investigation. Anyone who sees Perez is urged to call 911 and not approach him.
Information about the case or the whereabouts of Perez or the teenager can be passed to Detective Sergeant Nicholas Kennedy on (831) 755-3773 or Detective Richard Geng on (831) 759-7279. Tips may be submitted anonymously.
