Toddler Found in Suitcase: Mother on Trial

Darrian Randle, 32, is currently on trial for murder and child abuse after her 3-year-old daughter, Nola Dinkins, was discovered deceased in a suitcase in Cecil County in June 2025. Opening statements on Tuesday presented stark details of the conditions in which the toddler lived. The defense has entered a plea of not guilty, asserting that Randle's boyfriend is the perpetrator and that he forced her to report her child missing.

Prosecutors contend that Randle abused and neglected Nola, intending to eliminate her before the birth of her new baby. Evidence reportedly includes bloody sheets and soiled clothing from their shared residence. The state also indicated that Nola weighed only 19 pounds at the time of her discovery. The father testified to observing scars on Nola and having visitation disputes with Randle.

Body camera footage played for the jury showed a pregnant Randle reporting Nola missing from New Castle County, Delaware, claiming a man kidnapped her child at gunpoint. However, responding Officer Jacob Whatley described Randle's demeanor as unusually calm and collected after initial distress. Testimony is scheduled to continue, focusing on law enforcement's investigation following the initial missing person report.