Arrest in 37-Year-Old Cold Case of Newborn Found Dead in California Dumpster

SOURCE www.foxnews.com
Melissa Jean Allen Avila, now 55, was arrested in connection with a nearly 37-year-old cold case in which a newborn baby was found dead in a California dumpster. The case was reopened in 2020, and Avila was identified as the baby's mother through DNA samples.

Key Points

  • Arrest of Melissa Jean Allen Avila in connection with the case
  • Identification of Avila as the baby's mother through DNA samples
  • Case reopened in 2020 after nearly 37 years

Pros

  • Resolution brought to a long-standing cold case
  • Persistent investigative efforts led to the identification of the suspect

Cons

  • Tragic loss of life of the newborn baby
  • Emotional impact on the victim's family