CA CA- Alameda County, in dumpster, newborn Baby Jane Doe, 'Matea Esperanza,' died due to drowning, May, 2009, DNA-mother, Angela Onduto,46, 2025.

[dotr]

After 16 years, "Matea Esperanza" Baby Doe is Identified

Union City Police Department Teams with Othram to Identify a 2009 Baby Doe

dnasolves.com

''In May 2009, the remains of an unidentified baby were found in a dumpster behind an apartment building in the 1500 block of Decoto Road in Union City, California, an Alameda County city in the San Francisco Bay Area. The newborn Baby Jane Doe was named Matea Esperanza by UCPD officers—a name meaning “Gift from God” in Hebrew and “Hope” in Spanish—was discovered by a man searching for recyclables. An autopsy revealed that the baby died due to drowning and the investigation revealed that the baby had been in the dumpster for 24 hours or less. The discovery led to an extensive and challenging investigation that remained open and active for more than a decade.

In 2023, the Union City Police Department and Alameda County District Attorney's Office partnered with Othram in The Woodlands, Texas in hopes that advanced DNA testing could help identify the infant. Forensic evidence was sent to Othram's laboratory where scientists produced a suitable DNA extract from the remains. A comprehensive DNA profile was then developed for the newborn using Forensic-Grade Genome Sequencing®. Othram's forensic genetic genealogy team then conducted a genealogical search that resulted in new leads, which were provided to law enforcement.

This work ultimately led investigators to identify the infant's biological parents. Further DNA comparison confirmed the identity of the infant's mother as being 46-year-old Angela Onduto of Denver, Colorado. In May 2025, around what would have been Matea’s 16th birthday, detectives traveled to Denver to coordinate with local law enforcement and Onduto was arrested. Following weeks of continued investigative work, the Alameda County District Attorney’s Office filed a charge of murder under California Penal Code 187 against Onduto. She was taken into custody by the Denver Police Department late on July 2, 2025. Union City detectives are now working to extradite her to Alameda County, where court proceedings will move forward.''

 

[The4TierBridge]

The specific date of discovery was May 18, 2009. I don’t think this one had a NamUs entry.

 

[BrownRice]

So the lady was 30 yo when she drowned her newborn. Not some teenager, even though that’s inexcusable as well. With dna sophistication, she must have known the day would come.

 

[espirtu pampa]

Where's the father?
Poor lady.
Poor baby.

 

[victoriarobinson642]

Join Ancestry

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www.ancestry.com

Looks like she lived at/near the building 'Matea' was found in the dumpster of.

 

[dotr]

Mother arrested in Union City cold case of baby found in dumpster

A cold case involving a newborn baby girl found dead in a dumpster behind a Union City apartment building has been solved after 16 years, police said.

www.ktvu.com

Angela Onduto, 46, was arrested in the cold case of her infant found in a dumpster behind an apartment complex in Union City in 2009.

 

[Penny68]

Thank goodness for DNA.

I wonder if over all those years Angela dreaded the knock on the door. Or of course thinking in herself she had gotten away with what was done to her baby.

May precious Matea Esperanza Rest in Peace. God Bless her. xx

 

[Aycheff]

DBM. Accidentally posted to wrong thread.

 

[friendlysleuther]

Misty's FB page

Misty Mitchell

Misty Mitchell. 642 likes · 78 talking about this. I'm a die hard Philadelphia Eagles Fan and I love sloths 🦥

www.facebook.com

I’m sorry.. who?

 

[The4TierBridge]

I’m sorry.. who?

Mother of different former UID baby from 1998 in Texas.

 

[Aycheff]

I’m sorry.. who?

I accidentally posted to the wrong thread & deleted it shortly afterward yesterday.

 

[friendlysleuther]

I accidentally posted to the wrong thread & deleted it shortly afterward yesterday.

You're fine ! <3