A 55-year-old woman has been arrested in connection with the 1987 death of a newborn found in a California dumpster, following a breakthrough in DNA analysis.

Melissa Jean Allen Avila, who was 19 at the time, has been identified and arrested as the mother of the infant through advanced DNA analysis techniques, bringing closure to a cold case that has puzzled Riverside police for nearly 37 years. The case was reopened in 2020 with the help of Othram, a DNA testing company, ultimately linking Avila to the crime and leading to her recent extradition from North Carolina to California. Avila is currently awaiting further court proceedings, as Riverside authorities herald the breakthrough as a significant step toward justice and resolution for the victim and the community.

The grim discovery in October 1987 involved a newborn baby girl found dead in a dumpster located behind a business on the 5400 block of La Sierra Ave. in Riverside, California. The newborn was found by a man rummaging through the dumpster for recyclables. The Riverside County Coroner’s Office ruled the death a homicide, triggering an investigation by the Riverside Police Department's homicide detectives.

Despite thorough investigative efforts at the time, authorities were unable to identify a suspect, and the case eventually went cold. The inertia in the investigation persisted for over three decades until advancements in DNA technology offered a potential breakthrough.

In 2020, the Riverside Police Department decided to reopen the case, collaborating with Othram, a specialized DNA testing company. The reopening was bolstered by funding from Season of Justice, a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting unresolved homicide and sexual assault cases through advanced DNA analysis solutions and forensic genealogy.

Othram managed to extract DNA from evidence preserved since 1987 and built a genetic profile for the infant. This significant development in November 2021 paved the way for identifying potential relatives of the baby, eventually leading the investigators to Melissa Jean Allen Avila in Shelby, North Carolina.

Following her identification as the mother of the deceased newborn, Avila was taken into custody and extradited to California. Initially held on a $1.1 million bond, Avila was released on her own recognizance after her initial court appearance. This decision was made through an agreement between the prosecution and the defense.

Riverside Police have indicated that there is no evidence to implicate the baby’s father in the crime, focusing the criminal responsibility squarely on Avila. The arrest marks a pivotal moment in a case long dormant due to the limits of investigative resources and technology available in the 1980s.

Avila is scheduled for her next court hearing on September 9, where she will face charges related to the incident. While specific charges have not been disclosed, the case continues to draw significant attention both locally and broadly due to its long history and recent resolution.

Riverside Police Chief Larry Gonzalez remarked on the resolution of the case, stating, “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.”

This case highlights the extraordinary advancements in DNA technology and forensic genealogy that have given new life to numerous cold cases. Organizations like Othram and Season of Justice play crucial roles in these investigations, providing not only the technological resources but also financial assistance to law enforcement agencies working to solve longstanding cases.

The breakthrough in identifying Avila as the mother of the newborn underlines the relentless efforts of dedicated detectives and scientists who aim to seek justice for victims, no matter how much time has elapsed. The community of Riverside and the family of the victim, who have awaited answers for so long, now edge closer to closure with this significant development.