A woman was arrested in connection with a nearly 37-year-old case in which a newborn baby was found dead in a California garbage can, according to police.
Melissa Jean Allen Avila, now 55, was taken into custody on Friday prosecution for murder and was booked into the Larry D. Smith Correctional Facility on $1.1 million bail, according to the Riverside Police Department.
Avila is accused of leaving her deceased baby girl in a dumpster behind a business in the 5400 block of La Sierra Ave. Riverside, Californiain October 1987 when she was 19 years old.
A man looking for recyclables discovered the child, according to police.
Melissa Jean Allen Avila, now 55, was arrested on suspicion of murder. (Riverside Police Department)
The newborn’s death was ruled a homicide by the Riverside County Coroner’s Office, but of the police department Homicide detectives exhausted all leads and were unable to identify a suspect at the time.
But in 2020, the case was reopened and Avila was identified as the child’s mother through DNA samples. Detectives have no reason to believe the child’s father had any criminal responsibility for the child’s murder.
Avila was eventually found living in Shelby, North Carolina. She was arrested and extradited to California.
MASSACHUSETTS VIOLENCE SUSPECT FOR YEARS OF CRIME CAUGHT AFTER MANUNT IN LOS ANGELES
A man looking for recyclables discovered the child. (Riverside Police Department)
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“Thanks to the diligent efforts of our investigators and partners, this victim now has an identity, bringing resolution to the case,” Riverside Police Chief Larry Gonzalez said in a statement. “We will remain dedicated to seeking justice for homicide victims and ensuring their families find closure.”
Avila’s arraignment is scheduled for September 9.