East Bay Judge Revokes Medical License of Woman Accused of Newborn Drowning

Angela Onduto faces murder charges but her lawyer argues the case does not indicate a threat to public safety as a physical therapist.

Mar. 5, 2026 at 11:33pm

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An Alameda County judge has revoked the medical license of Angela Onduto, a 47-year-old woman facing charges of drowning her newborn baby in 2009. The California Attorney General's office argued that the murder charge and a prior 'assault' of a patient were sufficient to establish that Onduto posed a threat to the public if allowed to continue practicing physical therapy. Onduto's lawyer countered that the unique circumstances of the alleged baby murder have no relation to her work as a physical therapist, and that she had continued practicing for 16 years after the incident with no issues.

Why it matters

This case highlights the complex legal and ethical questions around revoking professional licenses for individuals accused, but not yet convicted, of serious crimes. It also raises broader discussions around mental health, postpartum depression, and the treatment of new mothers in the criminal justice system.

The details

In 2009, Onduto was accused of drowning her newborn daughter shortly after giving birth at home. The baby's body was found in a dumpster near Onduto's apartment. Onduto was arrested and charged with murder last year after being linked to the case through DNA evidence. Her lawyer argued the circumstances around the alleged murder were 'unique' and did not indicate a threat to public safety in her work as a physical therapist. However, the California Attorney General's office cited the murder charge and a prior 'assault' of a patient as justification to revoke Onduto's medical license while the case is pending.

  • In 2009, Onduto allegedly drowned her newborn daughter shortly after giving birth.
  • Onduto was arrested and charged with murder in 2025.
  • On January 29, 2026, a judge revoked Onduto's medical license, barring her from practicing physical therapy.

The players

Angela Onduto

A 47-year-old woman facing charges of drowning her newborn baby in 2009. She was working as a licensed physical therapist assistant until her license was recently revoked.

Judge Kevin Wong

The Alameda County judge who revoked Onduto's medical license at the request of the California Attorney General's office.

California Attorney General's Office

The state agency that argued Onduto's murder charge and prior 'assault' of a patient were sufficient to establish she posed a threat to public safety if allowed to continue practicing physical therapy.

Sydney Bird Levin

The deputy public defender representing Onduto, who argued the unique circumstances of the alleged baby murder did not indicate a threat to public safety in her work as a physical therapist.

Thomas Ostly

The deputy attorney general who argued in court filings that Onduto 'expressed no remorse' and 'had no intention of keeping the baby' after allegedly drowning the newborn.

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What they’re saying

“There is no logical reason to conclude, based on the facts of this case, that Ms. Onduto's continued work as a physical therapist assistant now suddenly poses a risk to public safety.”

— Sydney Bird Levin, Deputy Public Defender

“(Onduto) expressed no remorse, and said she knew while pregnant she had no intention of keeping the baby. She admitted to discarding Baby Jane Doe in the dumpster. She denied diagnosis with any psychiatric conditions and/or drug use at the time of the incident.”

— Thomas Ostly, Deputy Attorney General

What’s next

The judge's decision to revoke Onduto's medical license will likely be a key issue as her murder case proceeds. Her lawyer has indicated they will appeal the license revocation.

The takeaway

This case highlights the complex balance between public safety concerns and the rights of individuals accused, but not convicted, of crimes. It also raises difficult questions about how the criminal justice system should handle cases involving new mothers with potential mental health issues.