Heartbreaking Tragedy as Mother Accused of Killing Her Young Daughter and Faking Her Abduction

A Shocking Turn in a Missing Child Case

A case that initially appeared to be a terrifying child abduction has taken a grim and tragic turn. A Maryland woman, 31-year-old Darrian Randle, is now facing murder charges for the death of her 3-year-old daughter, Nola Dinkins. Authorities allege that Randle not only killed her daughter but also fabricated an elaborate story about the child being abducted at gunpoint in Delaware.

The Abduction Claim That Unraveled

The situation began on the evening of June 10, 2025, when Randle contacted law enforcement in Newark, Delaware. She reported that while she was parked along the 500 block of Gender Road, attempting to calm her upset daughter, an unidentified man approached her vehicle. According to Randle, the man brandished a gun and forcibly took her daughter.

She described the alleged abductor as a bald, middle-aged white man with peach fuzz, dressed in a black hoodie and gray basketball shorts, and claimed he was armed with a handgun. She added that the man was accompanied by a blonde woman driving a dark-colored SUV, possibly a Ford or Chevy, with visible dirt or rust on it.

This alarming report prompted authorities to issue an Amber Alert late Tuesday evening, and the public was asked to help locate the child and the described vehicle.

Investigators Uncover the Truth

By the following morning, however, investigators had determined that the entire account was fabricated. New Castle County Police officially canceled the Amber Alert and revealed that the mother’s statements did not align with the evidence gathered.

“Detectives determined that the initial account of the incident given by the mother was false,” said a representative from the department, emphasizing that the investigation had taken a new and deeply concerning direction.

The Search Leads to a Gruesome Discovery

With the abduction story discredited, authorities turned their focus to Randle's residence in North East, Maryland. Maryland State Police, in coordination with New Castle County Police, visited the location and encountered Randle’s boyfriend, 44-year-old Cedrick Britten.

As the search for little Nola intensified, investigators expanded their efforts to Perryville Community Park in nearby Perryville, Maryland. During their search, they made a grim discovery: human remains consistent with those of a small child were found in a vacant lot in North East.

“At 1:45 today, Maryland State Police Homicide Unit located what appears to be human remains consistent with that of a child,” stated Maryland State Police spokesperson Elena Russo. She added that authorities are awaiting official autopsy results to confirm the identity.

Charges and Custody

Initially arrested for filing a false report, Darrian Randle was arraigned and held on $1 million cash bail at the Baylor Women’s Correctional Institution. As the investigation progressed and evidence mounted, she was formally charged with first-degree and second-degree murder, along with child abuse resulting in death and several related offenses.

Randle is currently in custody and awaiting extradition back to Maryland, where the case is expected to proceed in the coming days.

Meanwhile, Cedrick Britten has also been arrested. He is charged with being an accessory after the fact to both first- and second-degree murder, as well as failure to report a child’s death. He remains in police custody in Maryland, pending transport to the Cecil County District Court.

A Community in Mourning

The unfolding details of this tragic case have left the community reeling. What began as a potential child abduction turned into an unimaginable nightmare with a heartbreaking ending. Authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the young girl's death as they await autopsy confirmation.

As law enforcement moves forward with their case, many are left with a heavy question: how could something so horrific happen to someone so young and innocent?

Ongoing Investigation

The case remains under active investigation by multiple agencies, including the New Castle County Division of Police and the Maryland State Police Homicide Unit. Updates are expected as officials confirm the identity of the remains and prepare for court proceedings against both suspects.

The story serves as a devastating reminder of the need for vigilance, mental health support, and child protection in every community.