Melissa Jean Allen Avila | North Carolina woman arrested for allegedly abandoning her newborn’s remains 37 years ago in Riverside, California

RIVERSIDE, Calif.– Cold case detectives arrested a 55-year-old woman this week for allegedly dumping the body of her newborn baby in a Riverside dumpster nearly four decades ago.

The Riverside Police Department sent Melissa Jean Allen Avila to prison for murder after North Carolina authorities extradited her to Southern California. She remains held at the Larry D. Smith Correctional Center on $1.1 million bail.

Detectives discovered the girl’s body on Oct. 13, 1987, after a man scavenging for recyclables found the remains inside a dumpster behind a business in the 5400 block of La Sierra Avenue. The Riverside County Corner Office ruled the girl’s death a homicide.

Investigators struggled to find a lead in the case, but it was dropped when they were unable to identify a suspect.

For decades, the baby’s homicide remained unsolved. However, in 2020, the department’s newly formed Homicide Cold Case Unit reopened the case and turned to DNA samples recovered at the scene to jumpstart the investigation.

Detectives teamed up with partners from the Riverside County Regional Cold Case Team and the nonprofit Season of Justice to identify Avila, who would have been 19 at the time, as the baby’s mother.

Season of Justice provides funding to agencies and families to help solve cold cases through DNA analysis and forensic genealogy.

After identifying Avila, the Riverside Police Department worked with U.S. Marshals to track her to Shelby, North Carolina.

“Thanks to the ongoing efforts of our investigators and partners, this victim now has an identity, allowing the case to be solved,” said Riverside Police Chief Larry Gonzalez. “We will remain dedicated to seeking justice for homicide victims and ensuring their families can find closure.”

In 2001, California passed a law establishing the Safe Arms for Newborns program. This program allowed parents or legal guardians to confidentially surrender a newborn at any hospital emergency room or fire station without fear of prosecution. The baby must be three days old or younger and cannot be a victim of abuse or neglect.

To find the safe drop-off site nearest you, call 1(877) 222-9723 or visit the Department of Social Services website. Safe drop-off sites are also marked with this blue baby sign.

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