Full Breakdown
Amber Alert Issued for Missing 14-Year-Old and Father in Monterey County Infant Death Case
9/8/2026, 6:38:21 AM
Core Event: Amber Alert Activation
On Sunday, the California Highway Patrol, at the request of the Monterey County Sheriff’s Office, issued an Amber Alert for 14-year-old Diana Galvez Ortega and her 38-year-old father Sergio Galvez Perez. The alert, covering multiple central and southern California counties, seeks the public’s help in locating the pair, who are believed to have fled after a newborn’s body was found on August 1, 2026 in north Monterey County.
Background & Context
The infant, identified as “Baby Angelita,” was discovered deceased in the 100-block of Struve Road on August 1, 2026. A post-mortem exam indicated traumatic injury. Police linked the death to Diana and her father, who is alleged to be the biological father of both.
Timeline
- August 1, 2026 – Baby Angelita’s body discovered; fire and emergency personnel confirm death.
- Early August – Diana and Sergio were last seen in Salinas, traveling in a white Nissan Altima without license plates.
- Later investigation – Surveillance video captured the duo together, providing the vehicle description needed for an Amber Alert.
- Sunday (early September) – Amber Alert issued; public urged to report sightings and not approach the suspects.
Data & Statistics
- Vehicle – White Nissan Altima, no license plates, last seen near Constitution Boulevard and East Laurel Drive in Salinas.
- Charges – Perez faces three felony counts related to alleged sexual abuse and child endangerment; no filing request for charges against the teen has been received.
Official Statements & Responses
- Monterey County Sheriff Tina Nieto said detectives believe Perez is “concealing” his daughter and urged the public to call 911 if they see either suspect or the described vehicle and to avoid confronting them.
- The California Highway Patrol, issuing the alert, said the priority is locating the teen and ensuring her safety, noting she may need medical care.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
- Initial statements from the District Attorney’s Office suggested probable cause to arrest the teen for murder, but a later release clarified that no filing request for charges had been received.
- Reports differ on the number and nature of Perez’s alleged felonies; all agree the charges involve sexual abuse of his daughter and child endangerment.
Why It Matters
The case underscores how law-enforcement agencies can use Amber Alerts beyond typical abductions when concrete vehicle information is available, highlighting challenges in family-violence investigations.
What’s Next
Authorities continue to search for Diana and Sergio. The alert remains active in eleven California counties, and officials have pledged victim-advocate assistance should the teen be located.
