Monterey County, California authorities are searching for Sergio Galves Perez, 38, who is accused of impregnating his 14-year-old daughter and is believed to be on the run with her and the father of their newborn son, who was found dead on the side of a remote road.
The newborn, identified as Angelito, was discovered on August 1 near Moss Landing with his umbilical cord still attached and signs of trauma, according to the Monterey County Sheriff’s Office.
The 14-year-old girl has been accused of murder in her baby's death, though authorities have not detailed the evidence supporting her alleged involvement. Investigators believe Perez impregnated his daughter when she was 13.
Perez is wanted for incest and lewd acts on a minor. Sheriff Tina Nieto stated that she believes the girl is also a victim and may be in danger, urging the public to help locate her to ensure her safety and hear her account.
"She's 14, for God's sake. She's 14. She's a victim, too, even though she's a suspect," Nieto said. "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."
Authorities identified a vehicle connected to the case through Flock camera footage. The vehicle was registered to Perez and his wife, Ofelia Garcia Ortega, who has since been arrested and charged with child endangerment.
Monterey County Sheriff’s Office spokesperson Eric Bixler credited the camera information with being instrumental in solving the case quickly, stating it might have taken years or never been solved without it. Perez remains a fugitive, and the search for him and his daughter is ongoing.