A grieving father is seeking the community’s support to honor the memory of his three-year-old daughter, Nola Q. Dinkins, whose life was cut tragically short. Dominique Dinkins has launched a GoFundMe campaign titled “Honoring Nola Q. Dinkins’ Bright Spirit” to raise funds for funeral arrangements, memorial services, travel expenses, and legal support. The fundraiser describes Nola as a joyful and loving child whose bright spirit touched everyone she encountered. As of mid-July, the campaign had raised over $9,000.
The fundraising effort follows a series of devastating events that began on June 10, when Nola’s mother, 31-year-old Darrian Randle, reported to New Castle County Police that her daughter had been abducted by an unknown man while inside a vehicle on Gender Road in Newark, Delaware. The report prompted a swift response from law enforcement, including an Amber Alert issued statewide. However, investigators soon determined that the abduction claim had been fabricated.
Authorities subsequently located a deceased child’s body in a wooded area across state lines in Cecil County, Maryland. The remains, later confirmed to be those of Nola Dinkins, were found concealed in a suitcase and wrapped in plastic. The disturbing discovery shifted the investigation from a search-and-rescue effort to a homicide case.
Darrian Randle was taken into custody and charged with felony false reporting, among other offenses. The investigation later revealed that the child’s death had occurred in Maryland, where additional charges including first- and second-degree murder and child abuse resulting in death were filed.
As the legal proceedings unfold, Nola’s family continues to mourn her loss and prepare for the emotional and financial challenges ahead. The GoFundMe campaign remains active as relatives and friends come together to remember the young girl whose presence brought joy to those around her.
