Monterey County Issues Amber Alert for Missing 14-Year-Old After Newborn Found Dead
On Sunday, September 6, 2026, the California Highway Patrol (CHP) issued an Amber Alert on behalf of the Monterey County Sheriff’s Office for a 14‑year‑old girl from Salinas who is believed to be missing and possibly in danger.
The alert was released after authorities confirmed that the girl, Diana Galvez Ortega, was last seen on Friday, August 31, at about 2 a.m. near Constitution Boulevard and East Laurel Drive in Salinas. She was traveling with her father, 38‑year‑old Sergio Galvez Perez, in a white Nissan Altima that had no license plates. Ortega is described as 4‑feet‑10‑inches tall, weighing 100 pounds, with black hair and brown eyes. Perez is 5‑feet‑5‑inches tall, weighing 170 pounds, also with black hair and brown eyes.
The alert covers Monterey, San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, Ventura, Kern, Los Angeles, San Bernardino, Riverside, San Diego, Orange, and Imperial counties.
Background of the case
On August 1, 2026, fire personnel, emergency medical services, and sheriff’s deputies responded to the 100 block of Struve Road after a report that a newborn infant had been found alongside the roadway. The infant, referred to by investigators as “Baby Angelita,” was pronounced dead on arrival. A forensic examination determined the child had signs of traumatic injury.
The investigation led detectives to conclude that a juvenile female gave birth to Baby Angelita on the side of the road and placed the infant on the ground before leaving the area. The sheriff’s office issued an arrest warrant on August 31 for Ortega and for Perez in connection with the infant’s death.
Current status
Sheriff’s Office Detective Sergeant Nicholas Kennedy and Detective Richard Geng have stated that Perez is believed to be concealing Ortega and preventing law enforcement from locating her. The Monterey County Sheriff, Tina Nieto, urged anyone who sees Perez to contact local law enforcement immediately by dialing 911 and not to approach or confront him.
The sheriff’s office has asked the public for any information that may assist investigators, including details about the whereabouts of Perez or Ortega. Respondents may remain anonymous.
Legal context
Perez faces charges that include incest, lewd or lascivious acts with a child under 14, lewd acts with a minor, unlawful sexual intercourse, child concealment, and child endangerment. The case is being investigated by the Monterey County Sheriff’s Office under the authority of the California Highway Patrol.
Community impact
The incident has drawn attention to the vulnerability of minors in rural and semi‑urban California communities. Local officials in Salinas have called for increased resources for youth protection and for better coordination between county and state agencies.
The Amber Alert system, which was created in 1996 after the abduction of Amber Rene Hagerman, is designed to mobilize the public in locating missing children. The system is used by state police agencies, including the CHP, to broadcast emergency information via radio, television, and text messages.
The Monterey County Sheriff’s Office, which serves the non‑municipal areas of Monterey County, has a staff of about 300 employees and a budget exceeding $50 million. The CHP, the state’s principal police agency, has jurisdiction over all California freeways and state property.
Next steps
Law enforcement officials continue to search for Ortega and Perez. The sheriff’s office has not released additional details about the investigation to avoid jeopardizing the case. The public is encouraged to report any sightings or information to the sheriff’s office or the CHP.
The case remains under active investigation, and authorities will provide updates as new information becomes available.
