In the United States, cold case investigators have arrested a 55-year-old woman in North Carolina in connection with the death of a newborn girl found in a California dumpster 37 years ago, according to the Riverside Police Department.
Through DNA testing, detectives identified the baby’s mother as Melissa Jean Allen Avila, police said in a news release.
It is unclear whether Avila, who police charge with murder, has a lawyer. CNN made efforts to contact Avila.
Avila made an initial court appearance last Wednesday and was released on his own recognizance through an agreement between the prosecution and defense, according to City News Service.
She was previously being held on $1.1 million bail, police said.
THE CNN left a message at the Riverside County District Attorney’s Office requesting information about the case.
The newborn was found dead in a Riverside dumpster on Oct. 13, 1987, by a man rummaging through recyclable materials, police said in the statement.
Homicide investigators were unable to identify a suspect, and the case went unsolved for nearly 40 years. In 2020, the department’s new homicide cold case unit reopened the case.
Police said they worked with Othram, a DNA testing company, with funding from Season of Justice, a nonprofit that provides financial assistance to investigative agencies and families to help solve cold cases with “advanced DNA analysis and forensic genealogy solutions.”
By November 2021, Othram was able to obtain DNA from evidence in the case and build a profile for the baby, according to its website. The law enforcement agency’s forensic genetic genealogy team then developed new leads that led to potential relatives.
“Othram assisted investigators’ reference testing efforts using (a testing method that) allows investigators to infer relatedness in both close and distantly related individuals,” the company said.
Avila was arrested in Shelby, North Carolina, which is about 45 miles west of Charlotte.
Avila was 19 at the time of the baby’s death. There was no evidence that the baby’s father had any connection to the case, police said.
“Thanks to the persistent efforts of our investigators and partners, this victim now has an identity, bringing resolution to the case,” said Riverside Police Chief Larry Gonzalez.
“We will remain dedicated to seeking justice for homicide victims and ensuring their families find closure.”
Avila’s next court hearing is scheduled for Sept. 9, according to jail records.
Source: CNN Brasil
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