Central Coast teen accused of murder after newborn is found dead on roadside

Arrest warrants were issued for a Central Coast teenager accused of murder after a newborn was found dead on the side of the road in Monterey County and an adult man accused of child sex crimes and incest in connection with the case, according to the Monterey County Sheriff’s Office.

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The investigation into the infant’s death began on Aug. 1, after the body was discovered in the 100 block of Struve Road off Highway 1 near Moss Landing, according to a Monday news release. The Sheriff’s Office referred to the deceased newborn as “Baby Angelita.”

During its investigation, the Sheriff’s Office found evidence that a teenager had given birth on the side of the road and left the baby on the ground before leaving the scene, the agency said.

“A post-mortem forensic examination conducted on Baby Angelita indicated she had signs of traumatic injury,” the release said.

Detectives later arrested 36-year-old Ofelia Garcia Ortega, of the Castroville-Salinas area, on suspicion of child endangerment, the agency said. Garcia Ortega was booked into the Monterey County Jail but was released after posting bail.

Meanwhile, active warrants were issued for the unnamed 14-year-old juvenile on suspicion of murder, and for 38-year-old Sergio Galvez Perez, who was accused of incest, lewd or lascivious acts with a child under 14, lewd acts with a minor, unlawful sexual intercourse and child endangerment, according to the release.

Galvez Perez was also accused of shielding the teenage suspect from arrest, bringing forth a possible charge of child concealment, according to the Sheriff’s Office.

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“Anyone who observes Sergio Galvez Perez is asked to contact their local law enforcement agency immediately by dialing 911,” the agency said. “Do not approach or attempt to confront him.”

Anyone with information pertaining to the active murder investigation or the whereabouts of the suspects was encouraged to contact Monterey County Sheriff’s Office Det. Sgt. Nicholas Kennedy at 831-755-3773 or Det. Richard Geng at 831-759-7279.

“The Monterey County Sheriff’s Office will continue to use every available investigative resource to find those involved and seek justice for Baby Angelita,” the agency said. “We will do everything we can to make sure her life is not forgotten and that those responsible are held accountable.”

The Tribune reached out to the Monterey County Sheriff’s Office for more information pertaining to the connection between the suspects but did not immediately receive a response.

This story was originally published August 31, 2026 at 1:43 PM with the headline “Central Coast teen accused of murder after newborn is found dead on roadside.”

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