DNA testing led to the arrest of 55-year-old Melissa Jean Allen Avila in Shelby, North Carolina.
RIVERSIDE, Calif. — Editor’s note: WCNC Charlotte has chosen to use this mugshot because of the nature of the case.
On October 13, 1987, a man rummaging for recyclables in Riverside, California happened upon a tragic discovery: a newborn baby girl, dead inside a dumpster.
Detectives with the Riverside Police Department worked hard to try to solve the case. But all leads would be exhausted, and the case would go cold for nearly 37 years.
The tide turned, however, when the department formed its Homicide Cold Case Unit in 2020 and reopened the case.
On August 8, 2024, Riverside Police announced it had made an arrest in the case thanks to DNA testing. The baby’s mother was identified as Melissa Jean Allen Avila, now 55 years old. At the time of her daughter’s death, Avila was 19 years old. Detectives said they don’t believe the baby girl’s father had any criminal culpability in the case.
Once Avila was identified as the suspect, detectives partnered with the U.S. Marshals to find Avila. She was eventually located in Shelby, North Carolina — about 46 miles west of Charlotte and more than 2,300 miles east of Riverside.
Avila was arrested on August 5, 2024. She has since been extradited to California and remains in jail on a $1.1 million bond. She’s charged with murder.
Riverside Police said several agencies worked together to make Avila’s arrest possible, from the Cleveland County Sheriff’s Office in North Carolina and partners in California to the nonprofit known as Season of Justice. The department said Season of Justice provides financial help via grant funding to help families and law enforcement agencies utilize advanced DNA analysis tools and forensic genealogy to crack cold cases. Othram Inc., a private lab that specializes in DNA technology, conducted the analysis.
“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.”
While Avila has been arrested, Riverside Police noted detectives are still accepting information on the case. Tips can be shared by calling (951)320-8000 or by emailing homicidecoldcase@riversideca.gov.
If you or a loved one is facing domestic violence, help is readily available. You can call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 800-799-7233 or text START to 88788. Resources for help are available in both North Carolina and South Carolina.
If your loved one was impacted by this incident, WCNC Charlotte hopes to make this process less painful with our More Than A Number initiative. With your help, we want to share who your loved one was with our viewers in North Carolina and South Carolina. When you’re ready, fill out the form below or send us photos, memories and other details about them to desk@wcnc.com.
