Authorities in California are searching for a man accused of raping and kidnapping his 14-year-old daughter, after the pair vanished following the discovery of her newborn baby dead along a remote roadway.
The California Highway Patrol issued an Amber Alert for Diana Galvez Ortega, 14, as investigators urgently try to find her and her father, 38-year-old Sergio Galvez Perez, according to the Monterey County Sheriff’s Office.
Sheriff’s officials said Perez is the biological father of both Diana and her newborn son, whom investigators have identified as Angelito.
The infant was found dead on Aug. 1 on the side of a road near Moss Landing, with his umbilical cord still attached and visible signs of trauma, authorities said.
Investigators believe Perez is fleeing with Diana, who has been accused of killing her baby. Officials stressed that the teen may also be in danger and said her “safety and well-being remain a priority.”
“Sergio Galvez Perez is wanted for numerous felony violations involving Diana, in which she is the victim,” the sheriff’s office said.
“Diana is 14 years old, and our immediate priority is to locate her and ensure she is safe.”
The department added, “We want to make sure her well-being is addressed and that she receives any medical care she may need.”
Perez allegedly impregnated his daughter when she was just 13 years old and is now wanted for incest and lewd acts on a minor.
Authorities said they issued the amber alert after catching a break in the case when Flock cameras were able to identify a vehicle connected to the case, in which Diana and Perez were traveling in together.
“Until this video was located, investigators did not have information identifying a vehicle in which Diana may have been traveling and were also unable to confirm with certainty that Diana and Sergio were traveling together.”
The vehicle — registered to Perez and his wife, Ofelia Garcia Ortega — was later located. Ortega has since been arrested and charged with child endangerment.
Perez is described as an Hispanic male adult, approximately 5 feet 5 inches tall and 170 pounds. He has black hair and brown eyes.
The daughter has black hair and brown eyes. She is approximately 4 feet 10 inches tall and weighs 100 pounds.
The public is being urged to call 911 immediately if they spot them and to not approach them.
The investigation remains ongoing.
