Woman Charged for Allegedly Throwing Her Newborn Baby's Remains into California Dumpster Nearly 40 Years Ago

Mar. 15, 2025

Melissa Jean Allen Avila.Photo:Riverside Police Department

Riverside Police Department

A California cold case investigation team has arrested and charged a woman who allegedly disposed of her newborn’s remains in a dumpster nearly 40 years ago.

On Thursday, Aug. 8, the Riverside Police Department, located east of Los Angeles, announced in apress releasethat the Riverside County regional cold case team had found a suspect in a decades-old case using DNA.

Melissa Jean Allen Avila, 55, was arrested and charged with first-degree murder in her child’s death, according to jail records.

An older image of the crime scene.Riverside Police Department

“Riverside Police Homicide Detectives worked diligently on this case, but all leads were exhausted and a suspect was not identified,” police wrote in the press release.

In 2020, the department formed a Homicide Cold Case Unit and reopened the case, eventually using DNA evidence with the help of the nonprofit organization Season of Justice to identify Avila as the child’s mother, the release added.

According to the press release,Season of Justicegives financial assistance through grant funding for authorities and families looking to solve cold cases through DNA and genealogy.

Melissa Jean Allen Avila’s mug shot.Riverside Police Department

She is being held on $1,100,000 bail, police said.

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“Thanks to the persistent efforts of our investigators and partners, this victim now has an identity, bringing resolution to the case,” Riverside Police Chief Larry Gonzalez said in the press release. “We will remain dedicated to seeking justice for homicide victims and ensuring their families find closure.”

source: people.com