Tragic Discovery: Authorities Seek 14-Year-Old and Her Father After Newborn Found Deceased

POLICY WIRE — Monterey County, California — California law enforcement is actively searching for a 14-year-old girl and her father following the grim discovery of a newborn baby, identified as Baby Angelita, found deceased on a rural road in Monterey County.

Authorities confirmed that Baby Angelita, whose name translates to “Baby Angel” in Spanish, was discovered on August 1 after a concerned passerby notified the police about the infant lying by the roadside.

The Monterey County Sheriff’s Office revealed that the 14-year-old had given birth to Baby Angelita and left her on the ground, with the baby showing signs of traumatic injury, according to a press release issued on Monday.

Police have issued a search for the teenager, who faces a murder charge, and her 38-year-old father, Sergio Galvez Perez, who has been confirmed by Monterey County Sheriff Tina Nieto as the biological father of both the teenager and the newborn. The identity of the 14-year-old is being withheld by authorities.

Sergio Galvez Perez, you need to turn yourself in, Sheriff Nieto urged during a news conference on Monday. This situation involves two children — Baby Angelita, who tragically lost her life, and a 14-year-old who is now facing serious allegations related to the baby’s death, also a victim of sexual abuse by her own father.

It is believed that Galvez Perez is obstructing the police’s efforts to locate the 14-year-old. He has been charged with several sex crimes, including incest and unlawful sexual intercourse, along with suspected child endangerment and concealment.

The 14-year-old’s mother, Ofelia Garcia Ortega, 36, was taken into custody on a child endangerment charge and was later released on bail.

Sheriff Nieto highlighted the role of automated license plate readers in expediting the investigation. Thanks to technology, our detectives identified individuals connected to the case within 53 hours, she stated, emphasizing the effectiveness of such tools in enhancing police work.

The use of these cameras, often referred to as Flock cameras, has sparked controversy due to concerns about data sharing with federal agencies and potential misuse by law enforcement.

Anyone with information about the whereabouts of Galvez Perez or the 14-year-old is encouraged to contact Monterey County Sheriff’s Office Detective Sergeant Nicholas Kennedy or Detective Richard Geng. Tips can be provided anonymously.

Reporting by Policy-Wire (PW)