Authorities in Maryland have confirmed the death of 3-year-old Nola Dinkins, whose body was found wrapped in Saran Wrap inside a suitcase following a false kidnapping report earlier this summer.
The discovery was made on June 11 in a vacant lot in North East, Maryland, one day after Nola’s mother, Darrian Randle, reported her missing from Delaware, claiming she had been kidnapped at gunpoint. The claim triggered an Amber Alert, which was later canceled after police determined the story was fabricated.
Arrests and Charges Following Investigation
Maryland State Police confirmed on July 11 that the remains found were those of Nola Dinkins. Her mother, Darrian Randle, 31, now faces multiple charges including:
- First- and second-degree murder
- Child abuse resulting in death
Randle’s boyfriend, Cedrick Antoine Britten, 44, has also been arrested and charged as:
- An accessory to first- and second-degree murder
- Failing to report the death of a child
Both suspects remain in custody. Randle is held at Baylor Women’s Correctional Institution in Delaware, awaiting extradition to Maryland. Britten is being held without bond at the Cecil County Detention Center.
Court Documents Reveal Disturbing Details
According to charging documents reviewed by multiple outlets, Britten allegedly drew a map for investigators that led them to Nola’s body. Police found her emaciated and “completely wrapped in Saran Wrap”.
Randle allegedly told police she struck her daughter 15 to 20 times with a belt on June 9 until Nola became unresponsive. Britten reportedly attempted CPR but was unsuccessful.
Instead of contacting authorities, the couple is accused of placing Nola’s body in a blue suitcase and initially leaving it at their residence before dumping it the following day.
Family Mourns Nola’s Loss
Nola’s father, Dominique Dinkins, has since created a GoFundMe page to help with funeral expenses and legal costs.
“Our beloved Nola Q. Dinkins, my one and only child, brought an infectious energy and warmth to everyone she met,” he wrote.
“From the moment I first held her, my life changed for the better.”
Dinkins described Nola as the person who made him a “better man, brother, son, and most importantly, a father.”
“Nola’s love and joy will never fade, and we will carry her memory forward,” he added.
As of this week, the fundraiser has received nearly $7,000 in donations.
Case Status and Next Steps
Court records as of now do not list plea information or attorney details for either Randle or Britten. Both face potential life sentences if found guilty.
Maryland State Police emphasized that the investigation remains active.