NEW CASTLE, DE – An intense search for a missing three-year-old girl in New Castle County ended with the cancellation of an Amber Alert, as authorities shifted the case to a homicide investigation. The child, Nola Dinkins, was initially reported kidnapped at gunpoint, sparking a frantic overnight search by local police and the FBI.
The incident began when Nola’s mother claimed she pulled over on Gender Road to comfort her upset daughter. She reported that a bald, white male in his 40s approached them with a handgun and abducted the child, fleeing in a dark SUV driven by a white female. Police quickly issued an Amber Alert, urging the public to be on the lookout for the vehicle, described as possibly a Ford or Chevy with noticeable rust or dirt.
As the search intensified, police scoured the Liberty Point apartment complex, following up on potential leads. However, despite their efforts, Nola was not found at that location. The New Castle County Division of Police, alongside the FBI, worked tirelessly through the night to unravel the circumstances surrounding the reported kidnapping.
In a dramatic turn of events, authorities announced that the mother’s account of the incident was false. The Amber Alert was subsequently canceled, and the focus shifted to a homicide investigation now led by the Maryland State Police. The details surrounding Nola’s disappearance and the subsequent investigation remain murky, with officials withholding further information as the probe continues.
Sgt. Andrea Bterbush of the New Castle County Division of Police expressed gratitude to the public for their vigilance and tips. However, she also emphasized the need for patience as detectives and federal agents continue their collaborative efforts to uncover the truth.
While the mother’s false report has complicated the investigation, authorities are determined to piece together the events leading to Nola’s disappearance. The community remains on edge, awaiting updates from law enforcement officials who promise to release additional information as it becomes available.
The Maryland State Police have taken the lead in the homicide investigation, coordinating closely with the FBI and local authorities. They urge anyone with potential information to come forward, as the search for answers continues.