A Maryland woman has been charged with the murder of her 3-year-old daughter, Nola Dinkins, after initially reporting her daughter’s kidnapping.
Darrian Randle, 31, allegedly confessed to beating her child to death and then working with her boyfriend to hide the body. Here’s what we know about the tragic case.
The Murder and False Kidnapping Report
Darrian Randle told police in Delaware that her 3-year-old daughter had been kidnapped by a white couple in a van. However, the story quickly fell apart, and police began investigating the situation as a homicide.
On March 20, 2024, human remains consistent with those of a young child were discovered near the home of Randle’s boyfriend, Cedrick Antoine Britten, in Maryland’s Cecil County.
Randle’s Confession
As police in Delaware questioned Randle about her false kidnapping claim, she eventually confessed to the tragic death of her daughter. Randle admitted to beating Nola with a belt approximately 15 to 20 times. She said the child became unresponsive, and despite trying CPR, Nola was already dead.
Hiding the Body
After killing her daughter, Randle and Britten allegedly put Nola’s body in a suitcase and left it in the basement of Britten’s home overnight. The next day, Britten drove the suitcase containing Nola’s body to Perryville Community Park and left it there.
Police later found the suitcase with the child’s remains inside, wrapped completely in Saran Wrap.
Evidence and Investigation
Investigators found several pieces of evidence that pointed to the couple’s involvement in the crime. Surveillance footage showed Randle leaving the apartment alone, while Britten gave conflicting and suspicious statements about the situation.
Inside Britten’s vehicle, officers found a blanket stained with what appeared to be blood, though Britten denied it was his.
Police also discovered that Britten had previously served in special forces and had knowledge of human trafficking, though it is unclear how this relates to the case.
Charges Against Randle and Britten
Randle has been charged with first- and second-degree murder, child abuse resulting in death, and other related charges in Maryland. She is also facing false reporting charges in Delaware.
She remains in custody in Delaware with a $1 million bond and is expected to be extradited to Maryland for further proceedings.
Britten, 44, was charged as an accessory to the murder and is facing charges in both states. He was released on a $75,000 bond and is under home detention.
This case is a heartbreaking example of a mother’s abuse and the tragic consequences it led to. Both Randle and Britten are facing serious charges, and the investigation continues as authorities await the official identification of the remains.
