A woman from central California was taken into custody on Thursday concerning the unresolved death of her newborn, whose body was discovered at a dump site three decades ago.

Pamela Ferreyra, aged 60, has been charged with one murder count regarding the death of the baby boy in 1994, as reported by the Monterey County Sheriff’s Office. The exact cause of the infant’s death remains undetermined.

The progress in DNA profiling and technological methods led to identifying Ferreyra, who was arrested at her residence without incident, a spokesperson for the sheriff’s office, Andy Rosas, confirmed during a press briefing.

Assistant District Attorney Matt L’Heureux mentioned that Ferreyra has other children, according to what he understands. Additionally, her Facebook profile suggests she was involved in providing in-home healthcare, reported local TV channel KSBW-TV.

As of Thursday evening, court records from Monterey do not indicate whether Ferreyra has been assigned a legal representative.

Infant’s age remains unknown

Although the precise age of the infant is not clear, Rosas confirmed that officials can verify that he was born. However, they could not ascertain whether the baby was alive or deceased when he was abandoned at an illegal dump site in a rural area of Monterey County.

The baby was found inside a red paper bag, clothed in a white T-shirt, diaper, and a stocking cap, wrapped in a blanket featuring pink and blue stripes, as explained by Rosas. The authorities have referred to the infant as “Baby Garin,” named after Garin Road where he was discovered.

“Any law enforcement officer will tell you that cases involving children are among the most challenging to investigate,” Rosas stated to reporters. “These emotional cases leave a lasting mark that is hard to forget, if at all.”

Reports from 1994 indicated that authorities estimated the body had been at the site for approximately two to three weeks, according to the San Francisco Chronicle.

Investigation reopened in 2023

The cold case was reopened in early 2023 after lying unsolved for many years.

Thanks to advancements in technology, officials developed a DNA profile appropriate for forensic genealogical analysis, Rosas noted. A genealogical firm based in Colorado later provided leads concerning the newborn’s family, ultimately leading to a warrant for Ferreyra’s arrest issued on Tuesday.

Even though a specific cause of death is yet to be identified, L’Heureux expressed that the district attorney’s office possesses enough evidence to charge the mother with murder. During the press conference, he was unable to disclose what Ferreyra may have contemplated over the past three decades.

“We observe a variety of responses from individuals in these situations. Some believe they have escaped justice and are surprised when confronted. Others have anticipated such a moment for years,” L’Heureux stated. “I cannot specify which category this case falls under, but we are pleased that this day has finally arrived.”

Ferreyra is set to appear in court for arraignment on Friday afternoon, with her bail set at $1 million.