A Maryland murder trial has revealed disturbing new details about the death of a 3-year-old girl whose body was found inside a suitcase after her mother initially reported her missing. Prosecutors played a recorded police interview in court in which the child’s mother allegedly admitted to beating her daughter and later helping conceal her body.
Mother Faces Murder Charges in Death of 3-Year-Old Girl
Darrian Randle, 32, is on trial in Maryland on multiple charges related to the death of her daughter, 3-year-old Nola Dinkins.
Randle faces first-degree murder, second-degree murder, child ab*se resulting in death, and several additional felony charges. The case stems from events that unfolded in June 2025, when Nola was first reported missing and later found dead.
The young girl’s body was discovered inside a suitcase near North East, Maryland, on June 11, 2025, one day after Randle contacted authorities to report that her daughter had allegedly been kidnapped.
Investigators soon determined that the kidnapping claim was false and launched a homicide investigation.
Detective Testifies About Recorded Interview
During court proceedings, New Castle County Police Department Detective Daniel Elwood testified about an interview he conducted with Randle after Nola was reported missing.
According to courtroom reports, prosecutors played video footage of the interview for jurors.
The recording allegedly showed investigators questioning Randle about photographs found on her mobile phone. One image reportedly showed Nola sitting on a toilet while appearing unresponsive and displaying marks on her legs.
When detectives asked about the injuries, Randle initially claimed the marks resulted from hot bath water.
However, investigators testified that she later admitted to physically punishing her daughter.
Alleged Punishments Discussed in Court
According to testimony, Randle described disciplinary actions she referred to as “pow pows.”
Investigators said these punishments allegedly involved the use of a belt, her hands, and on at least one occasion, a slipper.
The alleged punishments were reportedly used when Nola failed to follow instructions or was accused of lying.
Prosecutors argue that the discipline escalated far beyond reasonable punishment and eventually became fatal.
Prosecutors Say Mother Admitted Losing Control
According to the recorded interview, Randle allegedly told detectives that she lost control on the night of June 9, 2025.
Investigators testified that she admitted striking Nola with a belt between 15 and 20 times.
According to prosecutors, Randle allegedly stated that the beating continued until the child lost consciousness.
Court testimony indicated that Randle later realised the situation had become serious and contacted her boyfriend, Cedrick Britten, for help.
Boyfriend Allegedly Attempted CPR
According to investigators, Britten arrived and attempted to perform CPR on the child.
However, prosecutors allege that Nola had already died by that time.
The court heard testimony that instead of contacting emergency services, the adults allegedly began taking steps to conceal what had happened.
Authorities claim the actions that followed became a central part of the criminal investigation.
Body Allegedly Hidden in Suitcase
According to the prosecution, Randle told detectives that she and Britten wrapped Nola’s body in plastic wrap before placing her inside a suitcase.
Investigators allege that after hiding the body, the couple left the home and went out to eat before returning later.
Court documents state that the pair eventually placed the suitcase in Britten’s vehicle and drove around for a period of time.
Authorities say Randle later asked Britten to dispose of the suitcase containing her daughter’s remains.
Police Locate Nola’s Remains
According to investigators, Britten drove to an area near Perryville Community Park and left the suitcase there.
Authorities allege that he later photographed the location and sent the image to Randle.
During the investigation, Britten reportedly provided police with a map showing where he had left the suitcase.
That information helped investigators locate Nola’s remains in the area identified by Britten.
The discovery brought an end to the search and shifted the case entirely toward a homicide investigation.
Boyfriend Also Faces Criminal Charges
Cedrick Britten, 44, has also been charged in connection with the case.
Prosecutors allege that he helped conceal the child’s death and dispose of her body after the incident.
He faces charges including accessory to first-degree murder, accessory to second-degree murder, and several related offences.
His case is being handled separately from Randle’s murder trial.
Trial Continues
The trial remains ongoing as prosecutors continue presenting evidence and witness testimony.
Jurors are expected to hear additional details regarding the investigation, the alleged confession, and the events leading up to Nola’s death.
The court will ultimately determine whether the evidence supports the serious charges filed against Randle.
