Authorities allege the father impregnated his 14-year-old daughter before concealing her after the infant’s death.
MOSS LANDING, CA — Authorities are searching for a 38-year-old man and his 14-year-old daughter after a newborn baby was found dead on the side of a rural road in Monterey County, launching an intensive multi-agency manhunt across Northern California.
The case escalated when investigators confirmed through forensic testing that the suspect, Sergio Galvez Perez, is the biological father of both the 14-year-old girl and the deceased infant. Monterey County Sheriff Tina Nieto stated that the teenager is facing a murder charge for leaving the newborn along the road, while her father faces multiple charges including incest, lewd acts with a minor, and child concealment, making the search a critical public safety effort.
First responders discovered the deceased infant around 8:30 a.m. on Aug. 1 on the 100 block of Struve Road, near Highway 1 north of Moss Landing. Firefighters pronounced the baby girl dead at the scene, noting that the child showed clear signs of traumatic injury and still had her umbilical cord attached. Detectives believe the 14-year-old girl gave birth on the roadside before leaving the baby on the ground. Investigators subsequently nicknamed the child “Baby Angelita” as they worked to identify those responsible for the abandonment.
Detectives utilized the Flock automated license plate reader camera system to trace a vehicle of interest linked to the crime scene back to Galvez Perez and his family within 53 hours of the discovery. Sheriff’s office spokesperson Eric Bixler noted that without the camera network, identifying the suspects could have taken years or proven impossible. Authorities subsequently arrested the teenager’s mother, 36-year-old Ofelia Garcia Ortega, on suspicion of child endangerment. Ortega posted bail and was released from the Monterey County Jail pending future court proceedings.
Law enforcement officials emphasized that while the 14-year-old girl is named in an arrest warrant for murder, she is simultaneously considered a victim of severe domestic sexual abuse. Sheriff Nieto expressed concern that the teenager remains in immediate danger while on the run with her father, who is accused of impregnating her when she was 13 years old. Perez is known to perform in a local musical group, and officials have distributed recent public performance photos to assist community members in identifying him.
Formal arrest warrants have been issued for Galvez Perez on charges of incest, lewd or lascivious acts with a child under 14, unlawful sexual intercourse, child concealment, and child endangerment. The Monterey County Sheriff’s Office has urged anyone who sees Galvez Perez to contact law enforcement immediately rather than approaching him directly. Detectives are following leads throughout the region and coordinating with state authorities to track down any potential sightings or location data related to the pair.
Search efforts remain active across Central and Northern California as law enforcement personnel review incoming tips and surveillance video. “We just need the public’s help to locate the 14-year-old so we can get her to safety and then listen to her side of the story,” Nieto said during a news conference, reiterating that bringing both individuals into custody is the department’s highest priority.
Deputies ask anyone with information regarding the whereabouts of Galvez Perez or the 14-year-old to contact Detective Sergeant Nicholas Kennedy at 831-755-3773 or Detective Richard Geng at 831-759-7279.
Author note: Last updated September 3, 2026.