Shocking development in cold case of baby found dead in 1987 by man rummaging through trash in California

An arrest has finally been made in the nearly four-decade-long search for answers in the mysterious case of a baby found dead in a California dumpster.

Melissa Jean Allen Avila, 55, was identified as the baby's mother and arrested in Shelby, North Carolina on August 5.

On October 13, 1987, a newborn baby girl was found discarded and dead inside the trash by a man rummaging for recyclables behind a business in the 5400 block of La Sierra Avenue.

The girl's death was ruled a homicide and the case went cold until 2020 when the Riverside Police Department's Homicide Cold Case Unit formed and reopened the investigation.

'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. 

Melissa Jean Allen Avila (pictured), 55, was identified as the baby's mother and arrested in Shelby, North Carolina on August 5

'We will remain dedicated to seeking justice for homicide victims and ensuring their families find closure.' 

Using DNA technology, police identified then 19-year-old Avila as the baby's mother.

Detectives said they have no reason to believe the baby’s father had any criminal culpability in the murder.

Avila was tracked down with assistance from the U.S. Marshals Carolinas Regional Fugitive Task Force and extradited back to Riverside County.

She was booked into the Larry D. Smith Correctional Facility and is being held on $1,100,000 bail.

Avila was 19-years-old in 1987 when her newborn baby girl was found discarded and dead inside the trash (pictured) by a man rummaging for recyclables

Her arraignment is scheduled for September 9 and she is expected to be charged with first-degree murder, according to KTLA.

California enacted the 'Safe Arms new Newborns' law in 2001 which allows parents to relinquished infants. 

A parent or legal guardian can confidentially surrender a newborn, three-days-old or younger, to any hospital emergency room or fire station. If the baby has not be abused, the parent will not be charged for child abandonment.