An Amber Alert was issued for Diana Galvez Ortega, a 14-year-old girl from California, last month after her newborn was mysteriously discovered dead. Fortunately, on October 4, officials confirmed that Diana has been rescued in Mexico, and her father, Sergio Galvez Perez, has been taken into custody.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(jpeg)/Diana-Galvez-Ortega-Sergio-Galvez-Perez-02-090826-3888527b7ec64d68a8fb63b33f150965.jpg)
The Monterey County Sheriff’s Office reported that Diana was located following an operation led by Mexican law enforcement. Her father, aged 38, was arrested during the operation while allegedly in possession of narcotic substances. Sheriff Tina Nieto indicated that Mexican authorities are aware of the serious charges pending against Perez in California, related to accusations of sexual misconduct against his daughter. Diana is now safe and receiving care from local authorities in Mexico.
Charges against Perez include incest, unlawful sexual intercourse, and multiple counts of lewd acts with a minor, among other serious allegations. These charges come in the wake of a tragic incident in early August, when authorities found a deceased infant by the roadside in north Monterey County. This infant is believed to have been Diana’s. It is alleged that she left the baby, referred to by investigators as “Baby Angelita,” on the roadside shortly after giving birth.
Authorities suspect Perez is the father of the deceased infant and claim he obstructed efforts by law enforcement to establish contact with Diana. Surveillance footage had shown both Perez and Diana travelling in a white Nissan Altima with no licence plates in the Salinas area, but after this sighting, they remained elusive until the recent rescue operation.
Prior to the Amber Alert being issued on September 6, the District Attorney for Monterey County, Jeannine M. Pacioni, had clarified the tragic background surrounding Diana’s case. While a warrant suggested she was sought for murder due to her alleged involvement in the infant’s death, Pacioni stressed that her office viewed Diana primarily as a victim of her father’s alleged abuse. She highlighted that no child should have to endure such horrific circumstances.
Pacioni also mentioned that further investigations are underway, including a review of potential charges against Diana’s mother, but clarified that these matters are separate from the investigation into the infant’s death and the allegations against Perez. The situation remains complex, with ongoing inquiries into various aspects surrounding Diana’s life and her family’s circumstances.
A press conference is expected to be convened soon to provide more updates and details about the investigation and the actions taken by law enforcement. This case has raised significant concerns over child welfare and the responsibilities of parents, as well as the broader implications regarding the safety and protection of minors in vulnerable situations.
As the case continues to develop, concerned citizens and advocacy groups are closely monitoring the situation, hoping for a fair resolution that prioritises the welfare of Diana and any other children affected by these troubling allegations.