This week, 55-year-old lady was taken into custody by cold case investigators for allegedly disposing of her newborn’s body in a Riverside garbage almost forty years ago.
Melissa Jean Allen Avila was extradited to Southern California by North Carolina law enforcement, and the Riverside Police Department booked her into jail for murder. Absent a $1.1 million bail, she is still being held at the Larry D. Smith Correctional Facility.
On October 13, 1987, the remains of the infant girl were discovered by detectives after they were located behind a trash behind a store in the 5400 block of La Sierra Avenue by a guy who was looking for recyclables. The girl’s death was declared a homicide by the Riverside County Corner office.
In this case, investigators had a hard time getting any leads. It was abandoned when they were unable to identify a suspect. The baby’s murder was unsolved for decades. However, the case was revived in 2020 by the department’s recently established Homicide Cold Case Unit, which used DNA samples found at the scene to rekindle the investigation.
In order to identify Avila, who would have been 19 at the time, as the baby’s mother, detectives collaborated with their partners at the nonprofit Season of Justice and the Riverside County Regional Cold Case Team.
Season of Justice gives money to organizations and families so they can use forensic genealogy and DNA research to assist solve cold cases.
Following Avila’s identification, the U.S. Marshals and Riverside Police collaborated to locate her in Shelby, North Carolina.
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“Thanks to the persistent efforts of our investigators and partners, this victim now has an identity, bringing resolution to the case,” Riverside Police Chief Larry Gonzalez said. “We will remain dedicated to seeking justice for homicide victims and ensuring their families find closure.”
A statute creating the “Safe Arms for Newborns” program was established in California in 2001. Under this arrangement, a parent or legal guardian could discreetly turn over a newborn at any hospital emergency department or fire station without worrying about facing legal repercussions. The infant must be three days old or less, and it cannot be mistreated or ignored.
Use the Department of Social Services website or give 1(877) 222-9723 a call to locate the closest safe surrender location. This blue baby sign is often used to identify the Safe Surrender locations.
