Authorities have issued an Amber Alert for 14-year-old Diana Galvez Ortega and her 38-year-old father, Sergio Galvez Perez, following the discovery of a dead infant in northern Monterey County. The California Highway Patrol activated the alert on behalf of the Monterey County Sheriff’s Office, shifting the focus of the investigation into a rescue operation focused on the teenager’s safety and well-being.
Amber Alert Issued in Monterey County for 14-Year-Old Girl and Father
The case began on August 1 when the body of a newborn, referred to by authorities as “Baby Angelita,” was found along the 100 block of Struve Road near Moss Landing, according to KTVU. A post-mortem forensic examination revealed that the infant still had her umbilical cord attached and showed signs of traumatic injury. Investigators believe the 14-year-old gave birth to the child on the side of the road and placed the baby on the pavement before leaving the area.
Search Details and Vehicle Information
According to KSBW, detectives located video surveillance showing Sergio Galvez Perez and Diana together in the Salinas area, specifically near Constitution Boulevard and East Laurel Drive. The pair was last seen traveling in a white Nissan Altima with no license plates.
Sheriff’s officials explained that an Amber Alert was not requested earlier because investigators lacked specific vehicle information and could not confirm with certainty that the teenager and her father were traveling together until the surveillance video was recovered. Previous press releases from the Sheriff’s Office noted that an earlier vehicle associated with the case was already in law enforcement custody.
Legal Status and Focus on the Teenager
Sergio Galvez Perez faces multiple felony allegations and warrants, including incest, lewd or lascivious acts with a child younger than 14, lewd acts with a minor, unlawful sexual intercourse, child concealment, and child endangerment. Authorities state that Perez is accused of kidnapping his daughter and is actively concealing her from law enforcement.
While investigators initially stated that the 14-year-old girl was sought on suspicion of murder, the Monterey County District Attorney’s Office clarified its position in a news release. The district attorney’s office stated it had not received a filing request for criminal charges against the teenager, had received no investigative reports from law enforcement for her, and had not made any charging decisions.
Both the district attorney’s office and the California Highway Patrol emphasized that the teenager is a victim of her father’s abuse. Prosecutors stated that their priority is ensuring the young girl is safe and has access to necessary support, medical care, and services.
Suspect and Victim Descriptions
- Diana Galvez Ortega: 14 years old, approximately 4 feet 10 inches tall, weighing about 100 pounds, with black hair and brown eyes.
- Sergio Galvez Perez: 38 years old, approximately 5 feet 5 inches tall, weighing about 170 pounds, with black hair and brown eyes.
- Vehicle: White Nissan Altima with no license plates.
How to Help
Law enforcement urges anyone who spots Sergio Galvez Perez, Diana Galvez Ortega, or the white Nissan Altima with no license plates to call 911 immediately and warns the public not to approach Perez. Additional information regarding the ongoing investigation will be released as it becomes available.
Anyone with specific information regarding the whereabouts of Perez or the teenager can also contact Monterey County Sheriff’s Detective Sergeant Nicholas Kennedy at (831) 755-3773 or Detective Richard Geng at (831) 759-7279.
