Monterey County hunts teen mother and father after newborn found dead
A newborn dubbed “Baby Angelita” was discovered dead on a rural road in Monterey County, prompting a search for the 14-year-old mother and her father, who faces multiple felony charges.
Monterey County deputies are searching for a 14-year-old girl and her father after a newborn, referred to as “Baby Angelita,” was found dead on a road near a strawberry field on Aug. 1. Investigators allege the teen delivered the baby on the roadside, abandoned the infant, and then ran away. Sheriff Tina Nieto said the teenager is also a victim of sexual abuse by her father, Sergio Galvez Perez, who is charged with incest, lewd acts with a minor, child concealment and endangerment.
Perez is believed to be hiding the girl and evading law enforcement; the sheriff’s office released images showing him playing keyboard and wearing a basketball jersey. The public is asked to call 911 if they see either suspect and not to confront them. Additional leads came from Flock’s license-plate cameras, which helped trace a vehicle linked to the case. The mother of the teen, Ofelia Garcia Ortega, was previously arrested for child endangerment but has since been released on bail.
Why it matters
The case highlights severe child abuse and a dangerous manhunt in a local community.
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