Mom charged with Murder After Amber Alert in Nola Dinkins Case

updated June 12,2025
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Darrian Randle,31,faces murder and child abuse charges in‍ Maryland following the⁣ finding of‍ human remains believed to be ⁢those‍ of her 3-year-old daughter,Nola Dinkins.Maryland ⁤State⁣ Police ‍announced the arrest Wednesday, charging Randle with first- ‍and second-degree murder, along⁢ with first-degree child abuse resulting in death.

Cedrick Antoine ⁣Britten, 44,‍ Randle’s boyfriend, was also arrested and charged as an accessory⁢ after⁢ the fact to first- and second-degree murder, as well as failing to report‍ a ⁣child’s death.

The investigation began after Randle reported her daughter missing, ⁢prompting an amber⁢ Alert.However, the Amber alert⁢ was canceled when New Castle County Police determined Randle had provided false facts about⁣ Nola’s alleged‍ kidnapping.

Maryland State Police became involved after learning Randle’s last ⁤known address ⁣was in north East, Md. Investigators contacted Britten at the residence, which led them to‍ a ‍nearby vacant lot where they discovered the remains around 1:45 p.m.⁢ Wednesday. Authorities are awaiting official identification⁢ from the office of the Chief Medical Examiner in Baltimore.

During a press conference, Maryland ⁣State Police spokesperson Elena Russo said Britten is in Maryland state‍ Police ⁣custody, while Randle is being held by Delaware authorities on charges of false reporting. Randle is expected to be extradited to Maryland.

Randle initially reported to police in Newark, Del., ⁣on Tuesday that ⁣Nola had been abducted by a white couple during a roadside stop. The FBI and Maryland State Police joined⁣ the New Castle County Division of Police Criminal Investigations Unit in the search.

Authorities said inconsistencies emerged during the investigation, leading⁤ them to believe Randle’s initial report was fabricated. The homicide⁢ investigation continues as officials work ⁤to confirm the identity of the remains.