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California authorities search for 14-year-old and father in connection with newborn's death

Deputies issued arrest warrants for the teenager and her father after a deceased infant was discovered in Monterey County.

The short version

  • Monterey County law enforcement is searching for a 14-year-old girl wanted on a murder warrant and her 38-year-old father, who faces sexual abuse charges and is suspected of concealing her.
  • Investigators state the deceased newborn, found on a roadside in August with signs of trauma, was conceived through incestuous abuse by the father.
  • The teen's mother was arrested on suspicion of child endangerment and subsequently posted bail, while the father and daughter remain at large.

Key facts

  • The Monterey County Sheriff's Office issued a murder warrant for a 14-year-old girl following the discovery of a deceased newborn baby on August 1.[NBC News]
  • Authorities issued a warrant for the teen's 38-year-old father, Sergio Galvez Perez, on charges including incest, unlawful sexual intercourse, and lewd acts, alleging he fathered the child and is currently hiding the teenager.[NBC News]
  • The infant's body was discovered approximately 20 miles north of Monterey, with a post-mortem examination revealing signs of traumatic injury.[NBC News]
  • The teenager's mother, Ofelia Garcia Ortega, was arrested on suspicion of child endangerment and later released on bail.[NBC News]
  • Investigators utilized the Flock automated license plate reader system to identify a vehicle linked to the case.[NBC News]

What remains uncertain

  • The current whereabouts of both the 14-year-old and her father remain unknown as the police search continues.[NBC News]
  • It remains unconfirmed whether the teen's mother has retained legal representation.[NBC News]

Sources