Newborn girl’s death in California dumpster 37 years ago leads to mother’s arrest in cold case

A mother was arrested in connection with the murder of her newborn baby, whose body was found in a dumpster in California almost 40 years ago. The baby girl was discovered in a dumpster in Riverside in 1987, and her death was ruled a homicide. Despite an initial investigation that did not lead to a suspect, the case was reopened in 2020 with the help of DNA analysis and forensic genealogy. Through funding provided by Season of Justice, a nonprofit organization, a DNA profile of the infant was developed and eventually led to the identification of the baby’s mother, Melissa Jean Allen Avila. Avila, who was 19 at the time of the infant’s death, was located in North Carolina and arrested on a first-degree murder charge. She made her first court appearance and was released on supervised own recognizance release. The case is ongoing, with Avila due back in court in September. Authorities have clarified that there is no reason to believe the baby’s father was involved in the crime. The case highlights the importance of DNA technology in solving cold cases and bringing closure to victims and their families. California has a law allowing parents to surrender newborns to hospitals or fire stations without fear of prosecution, aimed at preventing tragic outcomes like this one.

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