For years, police have tried to find the person responsible for leaving a dead newborn baby in a Union City, California, dumpster. The infant, whom police named Matea Esperanza, died on May 18, 2009. For more than 16 years, her killer evaded investigators. But thanks to new DNA analysis, her mother, 46-year-old Angela Onduto, now faces murder charges.
According to a release from the Union City Police Department, a man searching for recyclables found the infant at Parkside Apartments. When no one came forward, police named her “Matea Esperanza, meaning ‘Gift from God’ in Hebrew and ‘Hope’ in Spanish.”
Through the years, the police department developed multiple leads in the case. Onduto became a person of interest in 2009 following additional DNA analysis. The work ultimately led to the woman’s arrest in 2025.
“In May 2025, around what would have been Matea’s 16th birthday, UCPD detectives traveled to Denver to coordinate with local law enforcement. Onduto was arrested at that time; however, charges were initially withheld pending further forensic analysis and a detailed review of the medical examiner’s findings,” police explained in the release.
The Alameda County District Attorney’s Office issued a murder charge, and Denver police took the mother into custody on July 2, 2025, per the release. Union City detectives are working to extradite Onduto to California for court proceedings.
“The UCPD expresses deep gratitude that justice is progressing in Matea’s case after 16 years, reaffirming the department’s commitment to solving cold cases and bringing closure to the community,” police shared in the release. “Matea’s memory continues to resonate within Union City. In 2017, the Union City Police Officers Association purchased a permanent grave marker in her honor, and a memorial service is held annually by members of the department.”
On May 18, the UCPD shared a sweet Facebook post dedicated to Matea’s memory.
“Please take a moment to remember Matea on her birthday and all the UCPD employees who responded, investigated, coordinated, and contributed to the investigation, adoption, permanent marker, and remembrance ceremonies of Matea,” the post reads in part. “In May, we hold a memorial for Matea. Reverend Valencia leads the memorial and providing a prayer and reflection for Matea.”
The case remains under investigation. Anyone with information should call UCPD Cold Case Detective Ayala at (510) 675-5259 or the anonymous tip line: (510) 675-5207.
