Shocking development in cold case of baby found dead in 1987 by man rummaging through trash in California
Someone has finally been arrested in the nearly four-decade search for answers in the mysterious case of a dead baby found in a California dumpster.
Melissa Jean Allen Avila, 55, was identified as the baby’s mother and arrested on August 5 in Shelby, North Carolina.
On October 13, 1987, a newborn girl was found dead in the garbage can by a man who was searching for recyclables behind a business in the 5400 block of La Sierra Avenue.
The girl’s death was ruled a homicide and the case remained cold until 2020, when the Riverside Police The Homicide Cold Case Unit was formed and reopened the investigation.
“Thanks to the continued efforts of our investigators and partners, this victim now has an identity, leading to a resolution of the case,” said Riverside Police Chief Larry Gonzalez.
Melissa Jean Allen Avila (pictured), 55, was identified as the baby’s mother and arrested in Shelby, North Carolina on August 5
“We will continue to work to seek justice for the victims of murder and ensure their families have closure for their actions.”
Using DNA technology, police were able to identify Avila, then 19, as the baby’s mother.
Detectives say there is no reason to believe the baby’s father is guilty of the murder.
Avila was located with the assistance of the U.S. Marshals Carolinas Regional Fugitive Task Force and extradited to Riverside County.
She is incarcerated at the Larry D. Smith Correctional Facility and is being held on $1,100,000 bail.
Avila was 19 years old when her newborn daughter was found dead and thrown away in a garbage can (pictured) in 1987 by a man looking for recyclables
Her arraignment is scheduled for September 9 and she is expected to be charged with first-degree murder, according to KTLA.
In 2001, California passed the Safe Arms Newborns law, which allows parents to give up their babies.
A parent or legal guardian may confidentially drop off a newborn, three days old or younger, at a hospital emergency room or fire station. If the baby has not been abused, the parent will not be charged with abandonment.