In a shocking turn of events, a woman has been apprehended in relation to a chilling cold case dating back almost 37 years, where a newborn infant was found lifeless in a California dumpster.
The woman in question, Melissa Jean Allen Avila, now 55, was arrested on a murder charge last Friday. She is currently being held at the Larry D. Smith Correctional Facility, with bail set at a staggering $1.1 million.
As reported by Fox News, Avila is alleged to have abandoned her deceased infant daughter in a dumpster located behind a business on the 5400 block of La Sierra Ave. in Riverside, California. This horrifying incident took place in October 1987 when Avila was a mere 19 years old. The infant was discovered by a man who was searching for recyclables, according to the police.
The Riverside County Coroners Office declared the newborn's death a homicide. However, despite the diligent efforts of the police department's homicide detectives, they were unable to identify a suspect at the time, having exhausted all leads. The case was reopened in 2020, and through the use of DNA samples, Avila was identified as the infant's mother. Detectives have stated that they have no reason to believe the father of the baby had any criminal involvement in the child's murder.
Avila was eventually located in Shelby, North Carolina, and was subsequently arrested and extradited to California. Riverside Police Chief Larry Gonzalez expressed his gratitude for the relentless efforts of the investigators and partners involved in the case. He stated, "Thanks to the persistent efforts of our investigators and partners, this victim now has an identity, bringing resolution to the case. We will remain dedicated to seeking justice for homicide victims and ensuring their families find closure."
Avila is scheduled to appear in court for her arraignment on September 9. This case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of justice, even in the face of time's relentless march.
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