UNION CITY, Calif. — A cold case dating back 16 years involving the death of a newborn baby girl found in a dumpster behind an apartment complex in Union City has finally been solved, authorities announced.
Angela Onduto, 46, of Denver, Colorado, was arrested in connection with the 2009 case. She has been identified as the biological mother of the infant, police confirmed.
On May 18, 2009, a man searching for recyclables at the Parkside Apartments on Decoto Road discovered the newborn’s body in a dumpster. An autopsy later revealed the infant had died by drowning and had been in the dumpster less than 24 hours. Initially listed as a baby Jane Doe, police later named her Matea Esperanza.
Though the investigation remained active for years, it went cold until recent advances in forensic science helped identify Matea’s parents. Investigators used DNA testing and forensic analysis conducted by Othram Laboratories in Texas to pinpoint the mother as Onduto.
In May 2025, just before what would have been Matea’s 16th birthday, detectives traveled to Denver and arrested Onduto. The Alameda County District Attorney’s Office has charged her with murder. Onduto currently remains in custody in Colorado pending extradition to the Bay Area.
The Union City Police Department expressed gratitude for the progress in the case. “Matea’s memory continues to resonate within Union City,” officials said.
Kristen Mittelman of Othram Laboratories added, “The baby’s mother will have to answer for what happened, but now the community knows who this little girl was.”
