MONTEREY COUNTY, CA — Arrest warrants were issued Monday in connection with the death of a newborn infant for the 14-year-old mother and her 38-year-old father, who the Monterey County Sheriff's Office said is also the baby's father.
The newborn, whom investigators are calling "Baby Angelita," was found deceased along the roadway on Aug. 1, according to the sheriff's office.
Police issued arrest warrants Monday for the 14-year-old and the teen's father, 38-year-old Sergio Galves Perez.
Fire personnel, emergency medical services and sheriff's deputies responded to the 100 block of Struve Road at about 8:30 a.m. after receiving a report that the infant had been found. Fire personnel confirmed the baby was dead, officials said.
Detectives determined during their investigation that a teen girl had given birth to Baby Angelita along the side of the road and left the infant on the ground before leaving the area, according to the sheriff's office.
A post-mortem forensic examination found signs of traumatic injury and that she still had her umbilical cord attached, officials said.
Investigators identified people associated with the vehicle seen near the incident and located individuals connected to the investigation, the sheriff's office said.
Sheriff Tina Nieto said the case demonstrates the value of investigative technology, while emphasizing the loss of the infant.
"Most importantly, we cannot lose sight of Baby Angelita, an innocent child whose life was tragically lost," Nieto said.
The 14-year-old girl is wanted on suspicion of murder, according to the sheriff's office.
Galvez Perez faces warrants stating incest, lewd or lascivious acts with a child under 14, lewd acts with a minor, unlawful sexual intercourse, child concealment and child endangerment, officials said.
Detectives have determined that Galvez Perez is currently concealing the 14-year-old girl and preventing law enforcement from locating her, according to the sheriff's office.
The sheriff's office is asking anyone who sees Galvez Perez or the juvenile to immediately call 911.
Officials warned the public not to approach or confront Galvez Perez.
Anyone with information that could assist investigators, including information about the whereabouts of Galvez Perez or the girl, can contact Detective Sgt. Nicholas Kennedy at 831-755-3773 or Detective Richard Geng at 831-759-7279.
Tips can be provided anonymously, the sheriff's office said.
The investigation remains active.
Sign up for free local newsletters and alerts for the
Watsonville Patch
Patch.com is the nationwide leader in hyperlocal news.
Visit Patch.com to find your town today.