Investigations
Breakthrough In 40-Year-Old Cold Case: California Woman Arrested For Murder Of Abandoned Newborn

In a significant breakthrough, authorities in Riverside, California, have made an arrest in a cold case that has gone unsolved for nearly 40 years. Melissa Jean Allen Avila, 55, was taken into custody last Friday and charged with murder in connection with the discovery of a newborn’s body in a dumpster in October 1987.
The case dates back to October 1987, when a man searching for recyclables found the lifeless body of a newborn in a dumpster. After decades without answers, the Riverside Police Department reopened the investigation in 2020, leading to Avila’s recent arrest.
According to authorities, Avila, who was only 19 years old at the time of the crime, is accused of disposing of her newborn’s body in a dumpster, leaving the infant to be found in a distressing manner. Her arrest marks a crucial turning point in the investigation, which had long been cold and seemingly forgotten.
The case gained new momentum after DNA technology, which was not available at the time of the crime, was utilized to re-examine the evidence. The DNA samples collected from the scene ultimately led investigators to Avila, who was residing in North Carolina at the time of her arrest.
Avila was extradited back to Southern California, where she now faces serious charges related to the death of her newborn. She is currently being held on a $1.1 million bail, reflecting the severity of the crime and the community’s demand for justice.
The upcoming court proceedings will be closely watched, as they represent the culmination of years of investigative work and the potential closure for a case that has haunted many. Her arraignment is scheduled for September 9, where she will face the charges against her.
This development underscores the importance of advancements in forensic science in solving long-standing criminal cases. The arrest of Avila sheds light on a deeply troubling issue that often goes unnoticed by law enforcement – cases of young mothers abandoning or even disposing of their newborns, often escaping detection by police. These tragic incidents are sometimes the result of fear, desperation, or lack of support, leading to heartbreaking outcomes that are difficult to prevent and prosecute.
Investigations
ICE Arrests Dozens of Convicted Criminals in Nationwide Operation

In a series of coordinated enforcement actions across the country, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has arrested multiple noncitizens with serious criminal convictions, including violent and sexual offenses, drug trafficking, and crimes against children.
The agency says the individuals arrested had previously been convicted of crimes such as rape, manslaughter, sexual assault of minors, aggravated robbery, and weapons violations, and were residing in the U.S. without legal status.
“ICE remains committed to targeting and removing individuals who pose a threat to public safety,” an agency spokesperson said. “Our officers put themselves in harm’s way every day to protect American communities.”
Among those arrested:
Andrew Da Silva, 30, a citizen of Brazil, was taken into custody in Boston. He is a registered sex offender with convictions for second-degree child molestation and sexual assault in Providence, Rhode Island.
Gerber R. Rosil-Galdamez, 41, from Guatemala, was arrested in Buffalo. He has a rape conviction in Suffolk County, New York.
Aurelio Lopez-Vasquez, 44, a Mexican national, also arrested in Buffalo, has a conviction for sexual conduct against a child in Kings County, New York.
Jesus Flores, 49, of Mexico, was taken into custody in Buffalo. He has a manslaughter conviction from the Bronx.
Juan Humberto Perez, 56, of Mexico, was arrested in Chicago. He has been convicted of aggravated sexual battery and aggravated indecent liberties with a child in Kansas.
Glenda Iraheta, 29, from El Salvador, was arrested in Washington. She has a lengthy criminal record including 21 arrests and multiple convictions for theft, drug possession, and other offenses in Loudoun County, Virginia.
Sergio Soadri Morales, 36, a Mexican national, was arrested in Houston. He has a conviction for indecency with a child in Texas.
Jonathan Omar Calderon, 38, from Guatemala, was taken into custody in Los Angeles with a conviction for lewd acts with a child under 14.
Verner Arnoldo Perez-Ixcoy, 31, a Guatemalan citizen arrested in San Francisco, has ten criminal convictions including for sexual assault and assault with a deadly weapon.
Juan Manuel Parra-Reyes, 29, of Mexico, was arrested in Salt Lake City. He has a conviction for child sexual abuse.
Hai Tuan Pham, 51, from Vietnam, was arrested in Dallas. He has convictions for aggravated robbery and kidnapping with intent to commit sexual assault.
Demir Keco, 37, of Bosnia, was arrested in Boston. His record includes convictions for aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and illegal firearm possession.
Selbourne Larkin, 40, a Jamaican citizen, was arrested in Atlanta. He has 12 convictions, including for vehicular homicide and firearm possession by a felon.
Ulises Mendoza-Hernandez, 26, from Mexico, was arrested in Houston and convicted of continuous family violence.
Francisco Noyola-Luna, 37, also from Mexico, was arrested in Denver. He was convicted of fentanyl possession with intent to distribute.
Efrain Rojo-Chavez, 38, a Mexican citizen, was arrested in Houston for assault of a family member.
Jose Torres-Ordonez, 41, of Mexico, was arrested in San Antonio. He has a conviction for assault causing bodily injury in Texas.
Alvaro Gonzalez-Morales, 48, of Mexico, was taken into custody in Philadelphia. He was convicted of resisting arrest in Tennessee.
Navor Juan Cayetano, 37, of Mexico, arrested in San Diego, has convictions for robbery and assault with a deadly weapon.
Alejandro Cruz-Velasquez, 30, from Cuba, was arrested in San Antonio with a conviction for aggravated sexual assault of a child.
ICE stated that all of the individuals arrested are subject to removal proceedings and will remain in custody pending further legal action.
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Investigations
Elon Musk’s $1 Million Giveaway Under DOJ Investigation for Potential Legal Violations

Elon Musk’s recent $1 million giveaway has drawn attention from the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ), which is reportedly scrutinizing the legality of the contest. This giveaway, widely promoted on social media, promised substantial cash prizes to select followers but has now raised concerns about compliance with federal sweepstakes laws. The DOJ’s focus is on whether the giveaway followed proper disclosures and legal requirements, including fair entry rules and transparency. This legal scrutiny adds a new layer of complexity to Musk’s ventures, as he continues to attract both media and regulatory attention with high-profile initiatives. The case underscores the importance of adhering to regulations, even in promotional activities led by influential public figures. The outcome could impact future online giveaways hosted by prominent personalities.
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Investigations
Cybersecurity and Data Protection in Africa
Cybersecurity and data protection are critical priorities as Africa advances in digital connectivity and innovation. With rapid growth in internet use and digital transformation across sectors, African countries are increasingly addressing cybersecurity challenges to protect citizens, businesses, and governments from cyber threats. Key initiatives focus on strengthening data protection laws, building cybersecurity infrastructure, and fostering a skilled workforce capable of responding to emerging threats. From securing personal data to safeguarding national infrastructures, African nations are taking proactive steps to ensure a safer, more resilient digital future. Join the conversation on how Africa is advancing in cybersecurity and protecting valuable data assets.
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