Authorities in Monterey County, California, are searching for a 38-year-old man accused of impregnating his 14-year-old daughter and are also seeking the teenager, who is suspected of murdering her newborn baby.
The newborn, referred to by authorities as 'Baby Angelita,' was discovered on August 1, 2026, along a rural road in north Monterey County. A post-mortem examination revealed the infant suffered traumatic injuries.
Sergio Galvez Perez, 38, is wanted on multiple felony charges including incest, unlawful sexual intercourse with a minor, lewd or lascivious acts with a child younger than 14, child concealment, and child endangerment. The LA Times reported that Perez allegedly abused his daughter, who was forced to give birth to their child.
The 14-year-old girl, who has not been identified due to her age and status as a victim of sexual assault, is wanted on suspicion of murder. Police allege she abandoned her infant next to a strawberry field, leaving the child to die.
Monterey County Sheriff Tina Nieto has directly appealed to Perez to surrender, stating, "You need to turn yourself in." She added, "We need Sergio Galvez Perez to stop hiding and face the charges against him."
Detectives believe Perez may be concealing the girl to prevent her from being found by authorities. The sheriff's office has urged the public not to approach either individual if they are spotted and to call 911 immediately.
The mother of the 14-year-old girl, Ofelia Garcia Ortega, 36, was previously arrested on suspicion of child endangerment and has since been released on bail.
Sheriff Nieto credited Flock cameras with assisting detectives in generating leads and identifying suspects and a vehicle of interest within 53 hours.
Anyone with information regarding the whereabouts of Perez or the 14-year-old girl is encouraged to contact Monterey County Sheriff’s Detective Sergeant Nicholas Kennedy at (831) 755-3773 or Detective Richard Geng at (831) 759-7279.