Teen mother wanted in newborn’s murder near Moss Landing; her father accused of incest

The Monterey County Sheriff's Office is investigating a case involving a 14-year-old girl accused of murdering her newborn baby, who was found dead on the side of a road near Moss Landing on Aug. 1, and her father, who is wanted for incest and lewd acts on a minor. (KSBW via CNN Newsource)

Warning: Contains disturbing details

MONTEREY COUNTY, California (KSBW) -- The Monterey County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a case involving a 14-year-old girl accused of murdering her newborn baby, who was found dead on the side of a road near Moss Landing on Aug. 1, and her father, who is wanted for incest and lewd acts on a minor.

Monterey County Sheriff’s Office officials confirmed that Sergio Galves Perez, 38, is the biological father of both the 14-year-old suspect and the deceased newborn, who investigators have named Angelito.

“We can now confirm that Sergio Galves Perez is the biological father of the 14-year-old murder suspect and the biological father of baby Angelito,” Sheriff Tina Nieto said.

Investigators said the newborn, who still had its umbilical cord attached, showed signs of trauma. Perez is believed to be on the run with his daughter, and authorities are seeking public assistance to locate them.

“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.”

A breakthrough in the case came when Flock cameras identified a car associated with the investigation.

The vehicle, registered to Perez and his wife, Ofelia Garcia Ortega, was located. Ortega has been arrested and charged with child endangerment.

“I can say without that information we received from that camera, we may have never solved that case,” said Monterey County Sheriff’s Office spokesperson Eric Bixler. “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.”

Authorities believe the 14-year-old girl may be in danger while on the run with her father, who allegedly impregnated her when she was 13 years old.

“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.”

Investigators have not disclosed details about how they determined the teen mother’s alleged involvement in the murder.

Perez remains wanted for incest and lewd acts on a minor.

Anyone with information about their whereabouts is urged to contact the Monterey County Sheriff’s Office.