In a case that has remained unresolved for over 16 years, the mother of a newborn girl discovered dead in a dumpster in Union City, California, has now been charged with murder.
The baby, later named Matea Esperanza, was found on May 18, 2009, behind the Parkside Apartments, still attached to her umbilical cord and wrapped in bloodied pantyhose.
The Discovery and Investigation
The infant was found by a man who was searching for recyclables at the apartments on Decoto Road. Authorities later identified the baby girl as Matea Esperanza, a name that means “Gift from God” and “Hope.”
Tragically, the child was too young to survive. Despite an initial investigation, the case went cold for years, with no leads on the identity of the mother.
However, advances in DNA technology allowed investigators to revisit the evidence. Their work eventually led them to identify Angela Onduto, 46, also known as Angela Anderson, as a suspect.
Onduto was located in Denver, Colorado, and after detectives made their discovery, she was arrested near what would have been Esperanza’s 16th birthday.
The Arrest and Charges
In June, Union City detectives traveled to Denver to arrest Onduto in cooperation with local authorities. Initially, charges were pending further forensic analysis.
However, after a thorough review, the Alameda County District Attorney’s Office officially filed murder charges against her on July 2. Denver officials re-arrested Onduto, and she now awaits extradition back to California.
Mother’s Confession
According to a probable-cause statement obtained by the East Bay Times, Onduto confessed to drowning her newborn in her apartment shortly after giving birth.
She reportedly discarded the baby’s body in the dumpster without any remorse. Onduto denied having any mental health issues or substance abuse problems at the time of the crime.
Honoring Matea Esperanza
In 2017, Union City officials placed a permanent grave marker at the Chapel of the Chimes in Hayward to honor the memory of Esperanza. The local police department holds an annual remembrance ceremony every May to keep her memory alive.
Detectives continue to gather information, and anyone with more details about the case is urged to contact Detective Dominic Ayala at (510) 675-5259 or to submit an anonymous tip at (510) 675-5207.
After 16 years of uncertainty, the case of the baby found in a dumpster has taken a significant turn with the arrest of Angela Onduto. This case serves as a reminder of the importance of persistence in solving cold cases and ensuring justice for those who can no longer speak for themselves.
