Devastating twist that’s left a community reeling, authorities have charged 23-year-old Darrian Randle—the mother of 3-year-old Nola Dinkins—with first- and second-degree murder, and first-degree child abuse leading to the death of a child under 13.
Just days ago, the toddler was reported missing under the claim that she had been kidnapped. That story, police now say, was a lie.
A Mother’s Story Unravels
Darrian Randle initially told law enforcement that her daughter had been abducted. An Amber Alert was issued. Searches were launched. Fear and urgency swept through the city. But the truth, revealed in disturbing detail through court documents and Randle’s own reported confession, is far more heartbreaking.
Authorities say Randle admitted that she fabricated the kidnapping. In a chilling account, she told investigators that she had beaten Nola with a belt 15 to 20 times. The toddler allegedly fell to the ground during the beating and stopped breathing shortly after.
Instead of calling 911 or seeking help, Randle and her boyfriend reportedly panicked. They drove around with Nola’s lifeless body for some time, eventually returning home. There, according to police documents, they placed her in a blue suitcase and left her on the staircase overnight.
A Discovery No One Wanted
Days later, a child’s body—described as “consistent with an emaciated child” and “completely wrapped in saran wrap”—was discovered by officials. The remains have not yet been officially identified, but the grim description aligns with what investigators feared.
State police are currently awaiting confirmation through forensic testing, but all signs point to the worst-case scenario.
The hope that Nola might still be alive has faded.
A Community in Shock
Baltimore and beyond are mourning the little girl who was first thought to be missing and is now believed to be the victim of an unthinkable crime. Nola’s photo had been widely shared, her sweet face becoming a symbol of urgency and desperation. Now, that same photo is a heartbreaking reminder of what was lost.
Neighbors, activists, and child welfare advocates have taken to social media to express their sorrow and outrage. “She deserved love. She deserved protection. She deserved a future,” one commenter wrote on a growing online memorial.
A Pattern of Tragedy
Nola Dinkins’ case has reignited national conversations about child abuse, mental health, and gaps in intervention systems. Many are asking how such severe abuse could go unnoticed, and whether more could have been done to prevent such a horrific outcome.
According to reports, there’s no public record yet of previous child welfare involvement with the family, but that may change as the investigation deepens.
It’s a tragic pattern that’s become all too familiar: a child hurt—or killed—by the very people meant to protect them.
Legal Proceedings Begin
Darrian Randle now faces some of the most serious charges under Maryland law. First-degree murder alone carries the possibility of life imprisonment. Her boyfriend has not yet been publicly charged, but authorities have confirmed that the investigation is ongoing and more charges may be forthcoming.
Court documents obtained by WMAR paint a chilling picture not just of what happened, but of how long it allegedly took for anyone outside the home to learn the truth.
Randle is currently being held without bail as she awaits further legal proceedings. A public defender has been appointed to represent her, and a preliminary hearing is expected soon.
A Name That Must Be Remembered
As the case moves forward, many are urging the public not to forget the heart of this tragedy: Nola Dinkins. Just three years old, she was described by those who knew her as bright, bubbly, and full of promise.
Now, her story joins a long list of children lost to abuse—cases that demand attention, accountability, and systemic change.
Child advocacy groups are calling for increased community awareness, stronger reporting mechanisms, and more mental health support for families at risk.
They want to make sure what happened to Nola doesn’t happen to another child.
If You Suspect Abuse
If you suspect a child is being abused or neglected, don’t wait—report it. In the U.S., you can call the Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline at 1-800-4-A-CHILD (1-800-422-4453). The line is confidential, available 24/7, and staffed with professional crisis counselors.
No child should suffer in silence.
Nola Dinkins’ story is one of unbearable heartbreak. But it is also a call to action—a reminder that behind every closed door, a child’s safety could depend on someone speaking up.
