California DOJ criminalists assisted with cold case investigation

MONTEREY COUNTY – On October 17, 2024, the Monterey County Sheriff’s Office announced the arrest of Pamela Ferreyra, 60, of Watsonville, in connection with the death of a baby boy found dead in a bag on December 3, 1994.

The baby was discovered by someone searching for recyclable containers.  While the medical examiner did not determine a cause of death, the baby was thought to be several days old and not stillborn. 

In 2023, a cold case team sent forensic evidence to the California Department of Justice hoping that new technology would help them identify someone related to the baby.  The evidence was then forwarded to Othram and further investigative information was sent to Solved by DNA, which led cold case investigators to Ferreyra who now faces a charge of murder.

“Advances in technology and the knowledge of forensic evidence professionals is leading to answers in unsolved cases.  This infant was found discarded and deceased nearly 30 years ago and now, in 2024, investigators have some answers.  We thank California DOJ criminalists and their partners in science leading the way in these unsolved cold cases,” said California Statewide Law Enforcement Association (CSLEA) President Alan Barcelona.