Details of a recorded interview played for jurors outline accusations of abuse, concealment, and a false kidnapping report.
NORTH EAST, MD – Jurors in a Maryland courtroom on Wednesday watched a recorded police interview in which a mother charged in her 3-year-old daughter’s death allegedly described beating the child and later hiding her body in a suitcase, according to testimony presented at trial.
Darrian Randle, 32, faces 11 charges tied to the death of her daughter, Nola Dinkins, whose remains were discovered inside a suitcase in North East on June 11. The day before the discovery, Randle reported the child missing in Delaware, initially claiming a kidnapping, a report investigators later determined was false.
Testimony centers on recorded police interview
New Castle County Police Department Detective Daniel Elwood testified as prosecutors played video from his interview with Randle following the missing child report, according to courtroom reporting by WJZ. During the interview, Elwood questioned Randle about an image allegedly recovered from her phone showing the child slumped over on a toilet with marks on her legs.
Randle initially attributed the marks to hot bath water but later admitted to beating her daughter with a belt, according to the testimony. She referred to the punishment as a “pow pow,” describing it as a recurring form of discipline when the child did not listen or was accused of lying.
In the recorded interview, Randle allegedly said she took the punishment “too far” and “lost control” on the night of June 9, striking the child 15 to 20 times with a belt until she became unconscious.
Allegations of concealment and disposal
According to the testimony, Randle said she then called her boyfriend, Cedrick Britten, 44, who attempted CPR but the child was already dead. Prosecutors allege the pair then wrapped the body in plastic and placed it in a suitcase.
Randle allegedly told investigators the couple left the home afterward to get food before later placing the suitcase in Britten’s vehicle and driving around. Authorities say Britten eventually disposed of the suitcase at Perryville Community Park and later directed police to the location, where the remains were found.
Britten is charged as an accessory to first- and second-degree murder, along with related offenses. Randle faces charges including first- and second-degree murder, child abuse resulting in death, and multiple additional felony counts.
The trial continues in Maryland court as prosecutors present evidence and testimony related to the child’s death and the events leading up to the discovery of her body.
Darrian Randle trial, Nola Dinkins death, suitcase body Maryland, child abuse murder case, Cedrick Britten charges
