The investigation into the disappearance of three-year-old Nola Dinkins from New Castle County has taken a distressing turn. Initially, the case was treated as an abduction, with an Amber Alert issued after reports of the child being taken at gunpoint. However, the investigation has now shifted to a homicide, leading to the cancellation of the Amber Alert.
The child’s mother had initially reported that she had stopped her car on Gender Road to comfort her upset daughter. She claimed that a bald, white man in his 40s approached them with a gun. According to her, the man kidnapped the child and left the scene in a dark SUV, driven by a white woman. The vehicle was described as possibly a Ford or Chevy with noticeable rust or dirt. This report led to an immediate response from local police and the FBI, who worked tirelessly through the night, following leads and conducting searches.
One of the locations searched was the Liberty Point apartment complex. Despite the intensive efforts of the New Castle County Division of Police and the FBI, the child was not found at this location. The authorities continued their relentless pursuit of the truth, working to unravel the circumstances surrounding the reported kidnapping.
However, in a shocking development, it was revealed that the mother’s account of the incident was fabricated. This led to the cancellation of the Amber Alert and a shift in the focus of the investigation. The Maryland State Police have now taken over the case, which has transitioned into a homicide investigation.
The details surrounding the child’s disappearance and the ongoing investigation remain unclear. Officials have withheld further information as the investigation continues. Sgt. Andrea Bterbush of the New Castle County Division of Police expressed gratitude for the public’s vigilance and tips, but also stressed the need for patience as the investigation unfolds.
The false report from the mother has added a layer of complexity to the investigation. However, authorities remain committed to piecing together the events leading to Nola’s disappearance. The community anxiously awaits updates from law enforcement officials, who have promised to release additional information as it becomes available.
The Maryland State Police, in coordination with the FBI and local authorities, are leading the homicide investigation. They are urging anyone with potential information to come forward as the search for answers continues.