In the heartland of America, a chilling case unfolded, shaking the community of Davenport, Iowa, to its core. The disappearance of 10-year-old Briasia Terrell in July 2020 sent shockwaves through the town and sparked a frantic search for the missing girl. This is the story of a family torn apart, a community united in grief, and the relentless pursuit of justice for a life tragically cut short.
The story begins like any other family arrangement. Briasia and her half-brother, 8-year-old DL, were spending the night with their father, Henry Dinkins, at his girlfriend Andrea Culberson’s apartment. However, what began as a seemingly ordinary sleepover soon spiraled into a parent’s worst nightmare.
A young girl with long dark hair smiles broadly.
Aisha Langford, Briasia’s mother, received a chilling call from Dinkins early that morning. Briasia was gone. Panic and confusion set in as Dinkins struggled to provide a coherent explanation for the young girl’s disappearance.
Law enforcement, responding to a frantic 911 call from Aisha, arrived at the apartment complex to a chaotic scene. Bodycam footage captured the raw emotions as Aisha, distraught and furious, confronted Dinkins, demanding answers he couldn’t provide.
A screenshot from police bodycam footage shows a woman confronting a man, with a police officer standing between them.
The investigation immediately raised red flags. Dinkins’ demeanor, his evasive answers, and his suspicious decision to leave the apartment complex right after speaking with the police – all pointed towards a sinister reality that no one dared to imagine.
The search for Briasia became a community effort, fueled by a collective hope for her safe return. Flyers with her smiling face were plastered everywhere, volunteers tirelessly combed through neighborhoods, and vigils were held as the community prayed for a miracle.
A young boy wearing a blue shirt looks down at the floor while talking to a police officer.
Meanwhile, investigators meticulously pieced together the events leading up to Briasia’s disappearance. Their focus sharpened on Dinkins, a registered sex offender with a history of violence, who was the last person known to have seen the young girl alive.
Dinkins’ initial story – that Briasia had simply wandered off during the night – crumbled under scrutiny. His inconsistent statements, his suspicious behavior, and the lack of any evidence supporting his claims only deepened suspicions.
A significant break in the case came from an unexpected source – young DL. In a heart-wrenching interview, the 8-year-old revealed disturbing details about that fateful morning. He recounted seeing his father carrying bleach and a knife, later identified as a machete, raising fears that Briasia had met a horrific end.
The gravity of the situation intensified with each passing day. The investigation, initially focused on finding a missing child, morphed into a desperate search for her remains. The community, clinging onto hope, slowly started to brace itself for a devastating outcome.
After eight agonizing months, the grim discovery came in March 2021. Fishermen stumbled upon a child’s skull near a pond in Clinton County, a location chillingly consistent with the details DL had provided earlier.
DNA testing confirmed the heartbreaking truth – the remains belonged to Briasia. An autopsy revealed the brutal nature of her death: she had been shot multiple times. The little girl, full of life and loved by many, was taken from the world in a horrific act of violence.
A screenshot from a news report shows a photo of Briasia Terrell on the left, next to a photo of a man identified as Henry Dinkins.
The discovery of Briasia’s remains sent shockwaves through the community, replacing the lingering hope with profound grief and anger. The focus shifted to securing justice for Briasia and holding her killer accountable for the unspeakable act.
The prosecution presented a compelling case, meticulously weaving a web of evidence. Surveillance footage, witness testimonies, and DL’s heart-wrenching account painted a damning picture of Dinkins’ actions. They argued that Dinkins, driven by a sinister motive, had taken Briasia, abused her, and then brutally ended her life, going to great lengths to cover his tracks.
The defense, in a surprising move, opted to focus on attacking the credibility of the prosecution’s case, particularly DL’s testimony. They highlighted inconsistencies in the young boy’s statements and attempted to discredit his recollection of events.
After a tense trial, filled with emotional testimonies and damning evidence, the judge delivered the verdict – guilty on all counts. Dinkins was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole, bringing a sense of closure to a case that shook the community to its core.
A Black woman stands before a camera and microphone, speaking with a determined expression on her face.
Briasia’s tragic death serves as a chilling reminder of the vulnerability of children and the evil that can lurk within seemingly familiar faces. Her story is a stark testament to the devastating impact of violence, the importance of protecting the innocent, and the enduring strength of a community united in grief and its unwavering pursuit of justice.
