Mother arrested 37 years after newborn was found dead in dumpster
08/09/2024 11:35 am PDT
RIVERSIDE, Calif. (TCN) -- Using advancements in DNA testing, officials identified and arrested a 55-year-old woman on suspicion of killing her newborn girl nearly 37 years ago.
According to genetic genealogy company Othram Labs, in October 1987, an individual rummaging for recyclables found a deceased infant in a plastic bag in a dumpster behind a business on La Sierra Avenue in Riverside. The local coroner's office ruled the newborn's death a homicide, Riverside Police said in a news release. Investigators exhausted all leads but were unable to identify a suspect at the time.
Following the formation of the Riverside Police Department's Homicide Cold Case Unit, the case was reopened in 2020. Police worked with Othram in hopes of identifying the victim and a suspect in her death.
Othram scientists developed a comprehensive DNA profile for the newborn to generate new leads. As a result, they identified potential relatives of the victim, which later pointed to Melissa Avila, the infant's mother, as the primary suspect in her death. Avila was reportedly 19 years old when she allegedly killed the infant.
According to authorities, detectives do not believe the father was involved in the victim's death.
Police located Avila in Shelby, North Carolina, with assistance from U.S. Marshals. She was extradited back to Riverside County and booked into the Larry D. Smith Correctional Facility on a charge of first-degree murder on Aug. 5. Avila remains held on $1.1 million bail.
Riverside Police Chief Larry Gonzalez said, "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."
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