Monterey County Sheriff's deputies have located a vehicle in connection with the ongoing search for a father accused of impregnating his teenage daughter and leaving their newborn on the side of the road. The white Nissan Altima, found without license plates, is believed to have been driven by 38-year-old Sergio Galvez Perez.
Perez is sought on suspicion of incest, lewd or lascivious acts with a child under 14, lewd acts with a minor, unlawful sexual intercourse, child concealment, and child endangerment. The infant, referred to by authorities as 'Baby Angelita,' was discovered on August 1 in north Monterey County and a post-mortem examination indicated signs of traumatic injury.
An Amber Alert was issued over Labor Day weekend for Perez's 14-year-old daughter, Diana Galvez Ortega, who was last seen with her father on August 4. Authorities accuse Perez of concealing Ortega from law enforcement.
"These allegations are extremely serious and are an important part of why locating Diana and ensuring her safety and well-being remain a priority," the sheriff's office stated. Officials previously indicated there was a warrant for the teenager's arrest on suspicion of murder, but the Monterey County District Attorney's Office has since stated that no charging decision has been made. The District Attorney's Office acknowledged that Ortega is a victim of abuse and that responsibility for a child's safety does not rest with the child.
"Our priority is to ensure that this young girl is safe and has access to the support and services she needs," the office said. "If she is located, our District Attorney victim advocates and partner agencies are ready to assist her, connect her with resources and help ensure that she has the support she needs."
Sheriff Tina Nieto urged Perez to surrender to authorities at a news conference on Monday, stating, "We need Sergio Galvez Perez to stop hiding and face the charges against him."
The mother of the 14-year-old, Ofelia Garcia Ortega, 36, was arrested on suspicion of child endangerment but has since been released on bail. Prosecutors are reviewing potential charges against her, though these are reportedly not connected to the infant's death or the alleged abuse of her daughter.
Investigators utilized Flock cameras, which Sheriff Nieto described as making "good police work more effective," to identify suspects and track the vehicle of interest within 53 hours. The sheriff's office has received numerous tips from the public since the Amber Alert was issued.
Authorities described Perez as 5-foot-5 inches tall, approximately 170 pounds, with black hair and brown eyes. Ortega is described as 4-foot-10 inches tall, weighing 100 pounds, with black hair and brown eyes. The public is advised not to approach Perez or Ortega if seen and to call 911 immediately.