MOSS LANDING, CA. (THECOUNT) — Sergio Galves Perez, 38, and his 14-year-old daughter, are wanted in connection with the death of a newborn baby girl found abandoned along a roadway near Moss Landing in Monterey County, California. Authorities allege Perez fathered the child.
The Monterey County Sheriff’s Office is investigating the death of the newborn, whom authorities have identified publicly as “Baby Angelita.” The infant was discovered dead on Aug. 1 along a roadway near Moss Landing with her umbilical cord still attached and apparent signs of trauma, according to investigators.
Advertisement
Authorities have issued arrest warrants for Perez and his 14-year-old daughter, who investigators say is the baby’s mother. The teenager is wanted on a murder charge, while Perez is wanted on multiple charges including incest.
Investigators allege Perez impregnated his daughter when she was 13 years old. Authorities say the father and daughter are believed to be together and on the run following the discovery of the baby’s body.
Monterey County Sheriff Tina Nieto said investigators are particularly concerned for the teenager’s safety, describing her as both a suspect in the baby’s death and a potential victim because of her age and the circumstances surrounding the case.
“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. “And we need to locate Mr. Perez, because in my opinion, he’s a serious felon offender, a parent who betrayed everything, every piece of trust that a child puts in their parent.”
Authorities said a major breakthrough came through Flock camera technology, which helped investigators identify a vehicle connected to the case. The vehicle was registered to Perez and his wife, Ofelia Garcia Ortega, 36.
Ortega has been arrested and charged with child endangerment in connection with the investigation, authorities said.
Chief Deputy Eric Bixler said the camera information was instrumental in advancing the investigation and locating evidence connected to the case.
“I can say without that information we received from that camera, we may have never solved that case,” Bixler said. “So, that was very instrumental in solving this case, especially the speed in which it was done. Without it, [it] may have taken years or never.”
The sheriff’s office said investigators believe Perez may be traveling with his daughter. Authorities have urged the public to provide information that could help locate either of them.
Nieto said investigators believe the 14-year-old could be in danger despite the murder allegation against her.
“I believe the 14-year-old might be in danger. That’s my gut feeling as a sheriff,” Nieto said. “She’s 14, for God’s sake. She’s 14. She’s a victim, too, even though she’s a suspect.”
The circumstances surrounding Baby Angelita’s death remain under investigation. Authorities have not publicly released additional details concerning the specific injuries suffered by the newborn or disclosed what investigators believe occurred between the birth and the baby’s death.
Investigators are continuing efforts to locate Perez and the teenager as the criminal investigation proceeds. Anyone with information concerning their whereabouts or information relevant to the death of Baby Angelita is urged to contact the Monterey County Sheriff’s Office.
Moss Landing is an unincorporated coastal community in Monterey County on California’s Central Coast, approximately 20 miles north of Monterey and about 20 miles south of Santa Cruz.
DEVELOPING::