Angela Onduto: Newborn Found Dead in Dumpster in 2009 Finally Identified; Colorado Woman Arrested

In 2009, a newborn baby girl was found dead and abandoned in a dumpster, in Union City. 

For years, the case remained cold with no answers. 

But today, after more than a decade of silence, cutting-edge DNA technology and tireless investigation have finally cracked the case wide open.

  

In May 2009, a man searching for recyclables made a grim discovery behind an apartment building on Decoto Road in Union City, California. 

The lifeless body of a newborn baby girl was found thrown away in the trash, according to DNASolves.

Police later gave her the name Matea Esperanza which means gift from God in Hebrew, and hope in Spanish.

An autopsy later confirmed that the baby had died from drowning.

Investigators believe she had only been in the dumpster for less than 24 hours before she was found.

The Union City Police Department and the Alameda County District Attorney’s Office spent years trying to find out who her parents were and how she ended up in the trash. 

However, with no solid leads, the case eventually went cold.

Despite this, Matea was never forgotten. 

In 2017, the Union City Police Officers Association placed a permanent grave marker at her burial site. 

Since then, officers have held yearly memorials to honor the newborn girl whose life was tragically cut short.

In 2023, investigators reached out to Othram, a Texas lab known for its work in Forensic-Grade Genome Sequencing® for assistance. 

With the help of advanced DNA testing, experts were able to create a detailed genetic profile of Matea. 

This profile was then used to search genealogical databases for possible relatives.

This advanced DNA method eventually led investigators to Angela Onduto, a 46-year-old woman living in Denver, Colorado. 

After more testing, DNA results confirmed that she was Matea’s biological mother.

Angela Onduto

In May 2025, just around the time Matea would have turned 16, detectives traveled to Denver to work with local authorities to arrest Angela Onduto.

On July 2, 2025, Onduto was taken into custody and charged with murder under California Penal Code 187. 

She is currently being held in Denver, while Union City detectives make arrangements to bring her back to Alameda County to face trial.

After Angela Onduto’s arrest, the Union City Police Department released a statement thanking everyone involved in the case. 

They expressed relief that justice is finally moving forward and reaffirmed their dedication to solving cold cases and giving families the answers they deserve. 

Although the arrest is a major breakthrough, the case is still ongoing. 

Detectives are continuing to follow up on new leads and are asking the public for help.

If you have any information, please contact Cold Case Detective Ayala at (510) 675-5259 or call the Anonymous Tip Line at (510) 675-5207.

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