September 1, 2026 – Monterey County Sheriff’s Office officials report that they are providing an update regarding the 
investigation into the murder of a newborn child who was found deceased along Struve Road in north Monterey County. Investigators are referring to the newborn child as “Baby Angelita,” which means “Baby Angel” in Spanish.
On August 1, 2026, at approximately 8:30 a.m., fire personnel, emergency medical services, and Monterey County Sheriff’s deputies responded to the 100 block of Struve Road after receiving a report that Baby Angelita had been found alongside the roadway. Upon arrival, fire personnel confirmed Baby Angelita was deceased. Sheriff’s Office detectives immediately began investigating the circumstances surrounding her death.
Through the course of the investigation, detectives developed evidence indicating that a juvenile female gave birth to Baby Angelita along the side of the road and placed her on the ground before leaving the area. A postmortem forensic examination conducted on Baby Angelita indicated she had signs of traumatic injury.
With limited information initially available following the discovery of Baby Angelita, detectives utilized the Flock automated license plate reader camera system to develop investigative leads. Information obtained through the system played a critical role in helping detectives identify and track a vehicle of interest associated with the murder investigation. Within 53 hours, investigators combined information obtained through Flock with traditional investigative techniques to develop additional leads, identify individuals associated with the vehicle of interest, and locate persons connected to the murder investigation.
Monterey County Sheriff Tina Nieto stated, “Providing our detectives with effective investigative tools strengthens their ability to solve crimes and protect our communities. This case demonstrates the value of that investment. Most importantly, we cannot lose sight of Baby Angelita, an innocent child whose life was tragically lost. We remain committed to seeking justice on her behalf.”
Through the course of the investigation, detectives developed probable cause to arrest:
Ofelia Garcia Ortega, 36-year-old resident of Castroville/Salinas
- Penal Code 273a(a), Child Endangerment
Ofelia Garcia Ortega was arrested and booked into the Monterey County Jail. She subsequently posted bail and was released from custody.
In addition, detectives developed probable cause and obtained arrest warrants signed by a Superior Court Judge for the following individuals and charges:
14-year-old juvenile female of Castroville/Salinas
- Penal Code 187(a), Murder
Sergio Galvez Perez, 38-year-old male resident of Castroville/Salinas
- Penal Code 285, Incest
- Penal Code 288(a), Lewd or Lascivious Acts with a Child Under 14
- Penal Code 288(c)(1), Lewd Acts with a Minor
- Penal Code 261.5(d), Unlawful Sexual Intercourse
- Penal Code 278.5(a), Child Concealment
- Penal Code 273a(a), Child Endangerment
Detectives have determined that Sergio Galvez Perez is currently concealing the 14-year-old juvenile and preventing law enforcement from locating her.
Anyone who observes Sergio Galvez Perez is asked to contact their local law enforcement agency immediately by dialing 9-1-1. Do not approach or attempt to confront him.
This remains an active murder investigation. Anyone with information that may assist investigators, including information regarding the whereabouts of Sergio Galvez Perez or the 14-year-old juvenile, is asked to contact Monterey County Sheriff’s Office Detective Sergeant Nicholas Kennedy at (831) 755-3773 or Detective Richard Geng at (831) 759-7279. Anyone providing information may remain anonymous.
The Monterey County Sheriff’s Office will continue to use every available investigative resource to find those involved and seek justice for Baby Angelita. We will do everything we can to make sure her life is not forgotten and that those responsible are held accountable.
Sheriff Tina Nieto Releases Statement Regarding Announcement of Arrest
Monterey County Sheriff Tina Nieto has released a statement regarding the announcement of suspects related to the death of Baby Angelita, an infant who was found deceased on Struve Road in Monterey County on August 1st, 2026.
Additionally, the Monterey County Sheriff’s Office is releasing three additional photos of Sergio Galvez Perez, who is wanted on numerous felony violations. Sergio Galvez Perez has been identified as being in a musical group and the images being released may be recognizable to the community from some of his public appearances.
We again ask the public to call 9-1-1 if you see Sergio Galvez Perez or his 14-year-old daughter. Do not approach him. Information on their whereabouts can also be provided to Detective Richard Geng at 831-759-7279 or Detective Sergeant Nicholas Kennedy at 831-755-3773. Information can be provided anonymously.
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Source: Monterey County Sheriff’s Office