A Maryland community is reeling after a tragic series of events involving a 3-year-old girl, Nola Dinkins. Her mother, Darrian Randle, has been charged with first- and second-degree murder, along with other related charges, after allegedly making a false report to police about Nola's abduction. This prompted the issuance of an Amber Alert that was later cancelled when investigators discovered inconsistencies in Randle's story.
Randle, 31, initially told police that Nola was kidnapped at gunpoint in Newark, Delaware. However, further investigation revealed that her initial report was false. This led authorities to search for the missing child, and tragically, they discovered human remains in a vacant lot in North East, Maryland. Police stated that the remains were consistent with those of a child, but official identification is pending autopsy results by the medical examiner.
According to court documents, Randle claimed that she and Nola had left her apartment complex, and the child began crying for an unknown reason. While Randle was trying to console her daughter, she alleged that an SUV pulled up behind her, and a male voice asked if she was OK.
Community Shocked by Discovery
The discovery of the remains has deeply disturbed the Cecil County community. Residents expressed their shock and sadness, particularly given the child's age. Chloe Elborn, a local resident, stated that the child's body was found near her home. She expressed her disbelief and heartbreak, finding it incomprehensible that a mother could harm her own child.
Further details revealed a disturbing sequence of events. Court documents allege that Randle placed Nola in a suitcase and left it on the basement steps overnight. She then allegedly asked her boyfriend, Cedrick Britten, to dispose of the suitcase. Britten reportedly took the suitcase and sent Randle a picture of a park, along with a map indicating where he left the body. The remains were discovered wrapped in Saran Wrap.
Charges and Legal Proceedings
Randle is currently held on a $1 million bond. Britten, 44, is charged with accessory to murder and has been released on $75,000 bond. The community remains in shock and mourning as the legal proceedings unfold, grappling with the immense tragedy that has unfolded in their neighborhood.
The Investigation Continues
- Police are continuing their investigation to determine the exact cause of death.
- The medical examiner is working to identify the remains.
- Both Randle and Britten are expected to appear in court in the coming weeks.