MONTEREY COUNTY, CA — Arrest warrants have been issued for a 14-year-old girl and a 38-year-old man in connection with the death of a newborn infant who was found along Struve Road earlier this month, the Monterey County Sheriff's Office said.
The newborn, whom investigators are calling "Baby Angelita," was found deceased along the roadway on Aug. 1, according to the sheriff's office.
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, 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.
Detectives developed probable cause to arrest Ofelia Garcia Ortega, 36, of Castroville/Salinas, on suspicion of child endangerment, according to the sheriff's office.
Garcia Ortega was arrested and booked into the Monterey County Jail. She later posted bail and was released, officials said.
The 14-year-old girl is wanted on suspicion of murder, according to the sheriff's office.
Galvez Perez faces warrants alleging 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.
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