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The Riverside Police Department reported that a North Carolina lady, 55 years old, was apprehended in connection with the 37-year-old mystery surrounding the body of a baby girl discovered in a trash can in Southern California.
The Riverside Police Department announced that a 55-year-old lady from North Carolina named Melissa Jean Allen Avila has been detained in connection with the 37-year-old baby girl’s death that was discovered in a garbage in California. Image credit goes to the Riverside, California, Police Department.
Extradited to Riverside County, Melissa Jean Allen Avila was apprehended in Shelby, North Carolina; she was 19 years old when the infant passed away.
According to CNN, she was taken into custody on suspicion of first-degree murder on August 5 and released on Wednesday under her recognizance. Her arraignment is scheduled for September 9.
The baby’s father was not implicated in the crime, according to detectives.
Riverside police reported that on October 13, 1987, a guy searching garbage behind a business for recyclables discovered the body of a newborn baby.
According to the authorities, they believe she was discovered shortly after her birth. Homicide was the official verdict.
To use DNA technology to solve the case, cold case investigators from Riverside teamed up with the nonprofit Seasons of Justice and Othram labs in 2020.
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In 2021, scientists compiled information to create a genetic profile of the unidentified baby, as reported by Othram.
According to Othram, forensic genetic genealogy is determined by comparing it to DNA samples willingly submitted by family members to a database. They uncovered possible family members.
“In 2020, our police department had the staffing and resources to form a cold case homicide unit to go back and look at old cold cases,” said Riverside Police Officer Ryan Railsback, telling WCNC. “We exhumed the baby’s body, pulled the DNA, and through the most advanced DNA technology, and genealogy, we were able to confirm who the mother was.”
The Houston-based Othram assists law enforcement organizations on a national and worldwide scale with case-solving through the use of technology.
“On our website, Othram proudly states that we are constructing the roads and underlying infrastructure that will ensure justice is delivered wherever it is needed,” the company stated.
Law & Order: Special Victims Unit’s 500th episode in 2021 was inspired by Othram technology and casework.
According to Riverside Police Chief Larry Gonzalez, “this victim now has an identity, bringing resolution to the case”—all because of the tireless work of their investigators and collaborators. “We will remain dedicated to seeking justice for homicide victims and ensuring their families find closure.”
Agencies and families can use the Season of Justice monies to conduct DNA analyses and forensic genealogical research to solve cold cases.
It is legal for parents to leave their infants in fire stations or hospital emergency rooms in California according to the Safe Arms for Newborns statute, which was passed in 2001.
