Maryland Mom Admits to Beating 3-Year-Old Daughter to Death, Stuffing Body in Suitcase: Chilling Cover-Up Unraveled

BALTIMORE, MD — A Maryland mother who once tearfully claimed her 3-year-old daughter had been kidnapped has now confessed to a far more horrifying truth: she beat the child to death with a belt and conspired with her boyfriend to hide the body in a suitcase, later dumping it in a local park.

Darrian Randle, 27, is now facing charges of first-degree murder, child abuse resulting in death, and false reporting, after telling police she struck her daughter, Nola Dinkins, between 15 and 20 times. The fatal beating ended only when Nola stopped breathing.

According to investigators, Randle’s confession came after a series of inconsistencies unraveled her original story—a desperate fabrication she used to cover up her daughter’s death.

The incident, which has sent shockwaves through the Baltimore community, began as a reported kidnapping. On June 7, Randle told police that Nola had been abducted. The story prompted a widespread search, involving local law enforcement, volunteers, and federal authorities.

But police soon grew suspicious. Surveillance footage didn’t support Randle’s timeline, and digital evidence from her phone painted a different picture. Under growing pressure, she confessed.

A Gruesome Plan to Conceal a Child’s Death

After fatally beating Nola, Randle contacted her boyfriend, Cedrick Britten, 29, instead of calling for help. According to police documents, the pair wrapped Nola’s lifeless body in a blanket and placed her inside a suitcase, which they hid in the basement of their residence for several days.

As decomposition began and the smell became noticeable, the couple transported the suitcase to a local park. Britten reportedly personally led officers to the body’s location after being confronted with overwhelming evidence.

Britten is now also in custody and facing accessory to murder, abuse of a corpse, and obstruction of justice.

“Unimaginable Cruelty” Says Police Chief

“This is a case that goes beyond heartbreaking—it is monstrous,” said Baltimore County Police Commissioner Janet Brookstone during a Friday press briefing. “The fact that a mother could not only commit such an act of violence against her own child but then create a web of lies to hide it, shakes our entire department to the core.”

Community in Mourning

The neighborhood where Nola lived has been devastated. Many initially joined the search efforts, believing the child had been taken. Now, they’re coming to terms with the horrific truth.

“She was just a baby,” said neighbor Shaniqua Holmes. “We lit candles and prayed for her safe return, not knowing she was already gone—killed by someone who was supposed to love her most.”

A growing memorial of teddy bears, balloons, and flowers marks the entrance of the park where Nola’s body was found. A candlelight vigil is planned for Sunday evening to honor her short life.

Prior Warnings Missed?

Sources close to the investigation confirm that Child Protective Services (CPS) had prior involvement with Randle. Though records are sealed, authorities are reviewing whether red flags were missed and whether the system failed to intervene in time.

Legal experts say the couple could face life imprisonment without parole, especially if prosecutors pursue aggravated circumstances in Nola’s murder.

“Justice for Nola”

Baltimore County State’s Attorney Kimberly Williams vowed to pursue justice relentlessly.

“Nola Dinkins was 3 years old. She had no voice, no defense, and no chance to escape the hands that should’ve protected her,” Williams said. “Now, the law will speak for her. Justice will speak for her.”

As the legal proceedings move forward, the city of Baltimore mourns not only a child lost—but a tragic reminder of how domestic violence, unchecked rage, and failed intervention can end in unimaginable tragedy.

If you suspect child abuse, report it immediately. Call the Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline at 1-800-422-4453. Your call can save a life.