Melissa Jean Allen Avila’s arrest in connection with a 37-year-old cold case of a dead newborn found in a trash bin highlights the relentless pursuit of justice and the marvels of modern forensic science.
At a glance:
- Melissa Jean Allen Avila arrested in connection with the 1987 Riverside, CA newborn death case.
- Incident occurred in October 1987; body found in a trash bin.
- Case reopened in 2020 by Riverside Police Cold Case Unit using DNA evidence.
- Arrest made in North Carolina with help from the U.S. Marshals.
The arrest of Avila, now in her mid-50s, is a testament to both the tireless efforts of law enforcement and the weight of justice, which never forgets. Found in 1987 behind a business in Riverside, California, the baby girl’s death was ruled a homicide by the Riverside County Coroner’s Office.
The case, once ice-cold, saw a revival in 2020 thanks to the Riverside Police Department’s Homicide Cold Case Unit. Through the wonders of modern science—DNA analysis—detectives were able to identify Avila as the mother of the deceased infant. Avila, then just 19, allegedly abandoned the newborn, leading to the tragic outcome.
“The Riverside Police Department is committed to seeking justice for all homicide victims, regardless of how much time has passed,” stated Riverside Police Chief Larry Gonzalez.
Fast forward to present day: Avila was arrested in Shelby, North Carolina, thanks to the collaborative efforts of the U.S. Marshals Carolinas Regional Fugitive Task Force. She was extradited to Riverside County and has been booked into the Larry D. Smith Correctional Facility with a hefty $1.1 million bond.
The relentless pursuit of justice in this cold case involved numerous agencies, including the Riverside County Sheriff-Coroner’s Office, the California Department of Justice, and the Cleveland County Sheriff’s Office. Financial support for sophisticated DNA analysis conducted by Othram, Inc. was provided by the nonprofit organization, Season of Justice.
The baby’s father, found to be uninvolved, was excluded from the investigation. As the case unfolds, it reminds us all of the innate responsibility society holds to protect its most vulnerable.
It’s worth noting California’s “Safe Arms for Newborns” law, which allows parents to surrender their newborns at designated sites such as hospitals and fire stations without fear of criminal prosecution. In Riverside, these sites include Riverside Community Hospital and multiple fire department stations.
In summary, the detaining of Melissa Jean Allen Avila culminates in a deeply complex story of tragedy, advanced forensic science, and the steadfast determination of law enforcement.
And now, dear readers, grab your coffee and rejoice in knowing that, even though justice may be delayed, it is never denied. Thank goodness for that tireless, unflinching commitment to righting wrongs, no matter how long it takes or how complex the investigation.
