Woman Charged for Allegedly Abandoning Newborn in Dumpster Decades Ago

We’re diving into a chilling story that has finally cracked after nearly four decades. In 1987, a tragedy struck Riverside, California, when a newborn baby girl was found dead in a dumpster. This was ruled a homicide, but the case went cold until recently.

The Case Goes Cold

For years, investigators hit wall after wall, struggling to identify the mysterious mother in this cas. Initially, there was no suspect and the case went cold—something most can agree is an outrage when we talk about justice for an innocent life lost.

Reopening the Case

Fast forward to 2020. The Riverside Police Department’s Homicide Cold Case Unit decided not to let this case lie buried under 37 years of unsolved mysteries. Thanks to technological advancements, detectives identified the baby’s mother as Melissa Jean Allen Avila through DNA analysis.

The Arrest

Here’s your jaw-dropper: Avila, now 55, was just 19 when this alleged murder occurred. She was discovered living in Shelby, North Carolina, and with the knack of U.S. Marshals, she was arrested for murder. Avila has now been extradited to Riverside County and is currently held on a $1,100,000 bail.

COLD CASE SOLVED | Shelby woman arrested after leaving newborn baby in a California dumpster 37 years ago

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Collaborative Efforts

The investigation was no one-man show. It involved multiple agencies, including some tech-savvy folks at Othram, Inc., and funding help from the nonprofit organization Season of Justice. DNA samples and forensic genealogy, along with financial support, finally determined Melissa Jean Allen Avila to be the mother.

Real Options for Future Prevention

Let’s not forget California’s “Safe Arms for Newborns” law, which allows parents to safely surrender newborns without fear of prosecution. It’s crucial for the well-being of both the child and the parent to know there are humane, legal options available in desperate times.

Conclusion

So there you have it. It may have taken 37 years, but justice doesn’t always have an expiration date. Stay vigilant, America. Our legal system might sometimes move slower than a snail on a salt track, but it gets there eventually.