A heartbreaking and disturbing case in Maryland has shocked both Maryland and Delaware communities. A 31-year-old mother, D. Randle, is facing murder charges after her 3-year-old daughter, Nola, was brutally beaten to death.
The tragic incident unfolded when Randle attempted to cover up her daughter’s death by claiming she had been abducted, but police soon uncovered the horrific truth. This case has left the community in mourning, and authorities are working tirelessly to bring justice for young Nola.
The False Abduction Story
The tragic events began on Tuesday, June 4, when Randle called the police, claiming that her daughter, Nola, had been kidnapped by an armed man in Delaware after she had pulled over on the roadside.
The story quickly led to an Amber Alert being issued, sparking a large-scale search for the supposedly abducted toddler. However, as investigators began questioning Randle and analyzing her statement, inconsistencies started to appear in her story.
Within 24 hours, authorities canceled the Amber Alert, and Randle was arrested. According to the police’s charging documents, Randle later admitted that her abduction story was fabricated and that her daughter had not been kidnapped. Instead, the horrifying truth began to emerge.
The Truth Behind Nola’s Death
Randle confessed that the actual events began the day before the abduction story—on Monday, June 3. Randle reportedly became angry with Nola and struck her multiple times with a belt, around 15 to 20 times.
After the beating, Nola fell to the ground and stopped moving. When Randle picked her up, she realized that her daughter was no longer breathing. According to Randle’s confession, she called for her boyfriend, C. Britten, to help. Britten attempted CPR, but the child was already dead.
Instead of seeking help or notifying authorities, Randle and Britten made a chilling decision to conceal the crime. They placed Nola’s body in a car, driving around before finally wrapping her in plastic and stuffing her lifeless body into a suitcase. The suitcase was later discarded in a vacant lot in Maryland.
Discovery of Nola’s Body
After Randle and Britten were interrogated by the police, they led investigators to the suitcase containing Nola’s body. The human remains inside were described as being “emaciated” and confirmed to be those of the child.
The plastic wrap around the body matched Randle’s grim confession, and the evidence validated her statement. The police were able to confirm that Nola had suffered unimaginable abuse in the days leading up to her death.
A Complex Family Situation
Further investigation revealed a complicated family dynamic. At the time of Nola’s death, Randle was involved in a custody dispute with the child’s father, who lived in Indiana.
Earlier in the year, Nola’s father had attempted to prevent Randle from moving with the child, adding another layer of tension to an already troubled situation.
This custody dispute raised questions about Randle’s actions and her motivations, which are expected to be further examined in court.
Charges Against Randle and Britten
Randle is facing several serious charges, including first-degree murder, in connection with her daughter’s death. She is currently jailed in Delaware, awaiting extradition to Maryland.
Randle’s actions have left the community in shock, as they try to comprehend how a mother could harm her own child in such a violent way.
C. Britten, who did not directly participate in the fatal beating but helped with the cover-up, has been charged with accessory to first- and second-degree murder, failure to report a child’s death, and other related charges.
Police also found cleaning products, including bleach, at Britten’s home, along with a blood-stained child’s blanket. Despite this evidence, Britten was granted bail and is on home detention.
This decision has sparked outrage among community members and child welfare advocates who believe that Britten should remain in custody.
The Ongoing Investigation and Community Reaction
As the investigation continues, law enforcement officials are focusing on bringing justice for Nola and uncovering the full extent of what happened leading up to her tragic death.
“This is one of the most horrific crimes we’ve seen in years,” said one investigator involved in the case. “A young life lost in such a violent, tragic way deserves the full weight of the law.”
The case has drawn widespread attention and sparked discussions about child abuse, domestic violence, and the need for stronger protective measures for vulnerable children. Community members are mourning Nola’s loss, while authorities are committed to holding all responsible parties accountable.