Union City, California – Angela Onduto, 46, of Denver, Colorado, has been charged with murder in connection to the death of her newborn daughter, Matea Esperanza, whose body was discovered behind an apartment complex in Union City in 2009.
The infant, still attached to her umbilical cord and wrapped in bloodied pantyhose, was found on May 18, 2009, by a man searching for recyclables at the Parkside Apartments.
Discovery and Initial Investigation
The newborn girl, later named Matea Esperanza, meaning “Gift from God” and “Hope,” was too young to survive and was left in a dumpster behind the Decoto Road complex.
An initial investigation was conducted, but the case went cold due to a lack of evidence and leads. Over the years, authorities were unable to identify the child’s mother, leaving the case unresolved for more than a decade.
Breakthrough in the Case: DNA Technology
However, thanks to advances in DNA technology, detectives were able to revisit the case. Through forensic testing, they identified Angela Onduto, who had been living in Denver, as a suspect. The breakthrough came just before what would have been Esperanza’s 16th birthday in June 2025.
Arrest and Confession
In June 2025, Union City detectives traveled to Denver and worked with local authorities to arrest Onduto. At that time, charges were still pending a full forensic review. The Alameda County District Attorney’s Office filed formal murder charges on July 2, leading to Onduto’s re-arrest and booking. She now awaits extradition to California.
According to a probable-cause statement obtained by the East Bay Times, Onduto confessed to drowning the newborn in her apartment shortly after giving birth and then discarding the baby’s body in the dumpster.
The statement also noted that she expressed no remorse for her actions and denied any history of mental health or substance abuse issues at the time.
Honoring Matea Esperanza’s Memory
Authorities in Union City have long honored Matea Esperanza’s memory. In 2017, a permanent grave marker was placed at the Chapel of the Chimes in Hayward. Additionally, the Union City Police Department holds an annual remembrance ceremony every May to remember the tragic death of the infant.
Continued Investigation
As the investigation continues, Union City detectives are still gathering information regarding the case. Anyone with information related to the case is encouraged to contact Detective Dominic Ayala at (510) 675-5259, or submit an anonymous tip at (510) 675-5207.
This tragic case has now been reopened, and justice may finally be within reach for Matea Esperanza, whose life was cut short in 2009.