Caregiver Arrested for Murder of Toddler After Year-Long Investigation

On February 16, 2023, the Albany Police Department responded to 211 Pine Bluff Rd Lot #5 following the death of 1-year-old Melanie Alvisuras.

The initial story provided to investigators was that the child and her sibling were playing at a caretaker’s residence when she was pushed to the ground during play. At the time, the death appeared to be accidental.

However, a year later, extensive autopsy results revealed that Alvisuras’ death was caused by intentional blunt force trauma to her head/skull.

On April 11, 2024, after an interview with detectives, the caretaker, Heidi Nolasco Garcia, was arrested on a charge of Murder. Garcia was subsequently transported to the Dougherty County Jail. No explanation was provided regarding the delay in the release of the autopsy results.