BREASIA TERRELL: Iowa vs. Henry Dinkins for July 2020 Kidnapping and Murder of 10-year-old *GUILTY*

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Davenport Police need help locating missing child

The Davenport Police are asking for the public’s help in locating a missing child.

Breasia Terrell, 10, was last seen in the 2700 block of East 53rd Street in the early hours of July 10.

Davenport Police conduct investigation of missing 10-year-old girl at Credit Island

Davenport Police are searching for a missing 10-year-old girl by the name of Breasia Terrell.

The last time anyone saw her was this morning on E. 53rd St., near Lorton Avenue.

She has been reported missing since around 3 a.m. and was last seen wearing a white t-shirt, shorts and flip-flops.

Early Friday night, around 4:30 p.m., police brought their search to Credit Island at the family’s request.

They say this was a frequent fishing spot for Terrell and her family.

Police were joined by the Davenport Fire Department in this investigation.

Crews brought out a boat, used sonar equipment and took pictures of the area, looking for any signs of Terrell’s whereabouts.



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MEDIA - BREASIA TERRELL: Missing from Davenport, IA since 10 July 2020 - Age 10
 
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Suspect in missing 10-year-old Iowa girl’s death pleads not guilty​

An Iowa man charged in the killing of a 10-year-old girl who was missing for nine months before her remains were found in a DeWitt pond has pleaded not guilty to first-degree murder and kidnapping.

Henry Dinkins pleaded not guilty Wednesday in Scott County District Court.
 
A trial date tentatively has been set for a 48-year-old suspect in the death of a missing Davenport girl.

Henry Dinkins, of Davenport, remains in custody in Clinton County Jail for Scott County proceedings. He is accused of killing 10-year-old Breasia Terrell on or about July 10, 2020.

Dinkins pleaded not guilty to first-degree murder and kidnapping in court documents filed Wednesday .

He has demanded the right to a speedy trial. Pretrial conferences are scheduled for July 2 in Scott County Court and a jury trial is tentatively set for July 12. almost a year to the day after the girl disappeared. The trial may be rescheduled at the pretrial conference, court documents say.
 
A trial date tentatively has been set for a 48-year-old suspect in the death of a missing Davenport girl.

Henry Dinkins, of Davenport, remains in custody in Clinton County Jail for Scott County proceedings. He is accused of killing 10-year-old Breasia Terrell on or about July 10, 2020.

Dinkins pleaded not guilty to first-degree murder and kidnapping in court documents filed Wednesday .

He has demanded the right to a speedy trial. Pretrial conferences are scheduled for July 2 in Scott County Court and a jury trial is tentatively set for July 12. almost a year to the day after the girl disappeared. The trial may be rescheduled at the pretrial conference, court documents say.
If the trial does get delayed, what does that mean to the charges he's facing? I'm not saavy with Iowa's criminal code so any help would be appreciated.
 
If the trial does get delayed, what does that mean to the charges he's facing? I'm not saavy with Iowa's criminal code so any help would be appreciated.
Because he's demanded a speedy trial?
It looks like, if the judge determines that there is GOOD CAUSE for the delay, such as his attorney's cannot provide an adequate defense in that time frame, it would be fine.


Good info here:

And
Second, after an indictment is filed, Iowa law requires that a defendant is brought to trial within 90 days. If the trial does not occur within 90 days, the court must dismiss the charges unless the defendant affirmatively waives the right to a speedy trial or there is good cause for the delay.

However, defendants cannot intentionally, or even unintentionally, cause their own delays to their trial such that the speedy trial deadline is violated. Where time to trial is delayed because a defendant files numerous motions, obstructs the gathering of evidence, or for any other reason, this will not count against the 90-day speedy trial deadline—those delays stop the clock for those periods of time.

Finally, in Iowa, even if a defendant waives his or her right to a speedy trial, all trials must be brought within one year of when the defendant is arraigned by the court. Again, the state may only circumvent this deadline for good cause shown.
 
Yeah that 90 days isn't gonna happen. Waived the right to a speedy trial. Pushed back 7 months.

Dinkins trial set for Valentine’s Day, 2022​

The jury trial for a 48-year-old suspect in the death of a missing Davenport girl is set to begin on Valentine’s Day, 2022.

Judge Henry Latham has been assigned to the trial that will begin Monday, Feb. 14, and last for about two weeks.

Other court proceedings are scheduled for Jan. 25 and Feb. 9, 2022.

Dinkins has waived his right to a speedy trial, court documents say.
 

Breasia Terrell murder: Warrants detail what happened the night the 10-year-old girl disappeared​

Warrants returned to the Scott County Court Tuesday outline a timeline of what happened the night Breasia disappeared, and how the investigation proceeded until her remains were found.


His son and Breasia were to spend the night in Dinkins' E. 53rd Street apartment the night the girl disappeared. Dinkins' girlfriend, Andrea Culberson, was there, too.

Culberson told investigators the three were in the apartment when Culberson fell asleep between 11 p.m. and midnight. She woke up around 3 a.m. and found Dinkins and Breasia gone.

Surveillance video from those hours show a red Chevy Impala, matching the description of a car that Dinkins was known to have access to, drove to and from a motor home on Schmidt Road, Davenport. The motor home is registered to Dinkins' sister and is the address he used on the sex offender registry.

The Impala went to the trailer at 2:13 a.m., then left, heading south, at 2:29 a.m. The car returned at 2:31 a.m. and left again, heading to Credit Island at 2:49 a.m.

Culberson said she tried to call Dinkins at 3 a.m., but he’d left his cell phone in the apartment.

At approximately 3:31 a.m., Dinkins is seen getting out of the Impala on a surveillance camera at a Kwik Shop in Davenport. It was also seen on multiple surveillance cameras early that morning heading north to Clinton County, Iowa, and within the city limits of Clinton.

At 7:04 a.m. Dinkins was on store surveillance video buying two bottles of bleach at a Walmart in Clinton, leaving the store at 7:09 a.m.

A little after 7 a.m., Culberson texted Dinkins, asking where he was. He came home later that morning, picked up his cell phone and left, saying he was going to look for Breasia. He called 911 sometime in the morning of July 10, and at noon, Dinkins arrived at the police station in the Impala.


Dinkins’ 8-year-old son, Breasia's half-brother, told police he went to Credit Island with his dad the morning of July 10. They also went to the motor home, where his dad pulled out a big knife and wiped it down with bleach. He then put the knife in the trunk of the Impala and the pair returned to the trailer.

Nearby video verified the boy was with Dinkins at the trailer. With that confirmed, police sought a second warrant on the motor home and found a machete on top of the refrigerator that matched the description the boy had given.
 

Detectives found cleaning supplies, ax in trunk of Breasia Terrell murder suspect's car​

Search warrants released this week offer more information about what allegedly happened July 9, 2020 — the night Breasia Terrell went missing in Davenport.

Criminal complaints filed at that time said that in the early hours of July 10 Dinkins, a 48-year-old convicted sex offender, kidnapped Terrell and shot her to death. He's charged with first-degree murder and first-degree kidnapping, each of which carries mandatory sentences of life in prison.
 
Man accused of killing Davenport girl asks for trial to be delayed
Henry Dinkins, accused of kidnapping and murdering Breasia Terrell, says he won't be prepared for his February trial date.

Dinkins' defense attorney Miguel Puentes filed the motion for continuance Thursday, asking a Scott County judge to push back the trial. The filing says the defense is still working on discovery and has experienced "unforeseen delays" that will keep them from being ready for trial, set for February 14th.

While prosecutors have yet to file a response, the defense filing says they've advised prosecutors of the need for a continuance and have had "informal discussions" about when to reschedule. Both sides were scheduled for a status conference next week.
 
New trial date for man accused of killing Breasia Terrell
A new trial date has been set for the man accused of murdering 10-year-old Breasia Terrell.

The murder trial for Henry Dinkins was scheduled to start February 14 but defense lawyers asked to delay the trial due to "unforeseen delays" in their trial prep.

The Quad-City Times reports the trial has been scheduled for May 9.
 
New trial date for man accused of killing Breasia Terrell
A new trial date has been set for the man accused of murdering 10-year-old Breasia Terrell.

The murder trial for Henry Dinkins was scheduled to start February 14 but defense lawyers asked to delay the trial due to "unforeseen delays" in their trial prep.

The Quad-City Times reports the trial has been scheduled for May 9.
Delay, delay, delay.
 

Dinkins seeks new attorney in the Breasia Terrell murder trial​

The man accused of the 2020 kidnapping and murder of Breasia Terrell will appear in court Thursday to ask for a new attorney.

Henry Dinkins is scheduled to be in Scott County Court at 8:30 a.m. Thursday for a hearing with Scott County District Judge Henry Latham to review the written request Dinkins made for a new attorney in late January.

Dinkins' letter to Latham was stamped Jan. 25 — the same day Latham moved the start of the trial to May 9, with a final pretrial hearing set for May 4. Before the change, Dinkins' trial was slated to start Feb. 14.

In the letter Dinkins said he had not seen public defender Miguel Puentes "but once in eight months." Dinkins also claims Puentes gave him false phone numbers and that he could not contact the attorney.

It was Puentes who filed the Jan. 20 motion to have the case continued, stating in his motion that “an assessment of our defense case indicates we are admittedly unprepared to proceed as currently scheduled; therefore, necessitating this filing.”

Dinkins concluded his request for a new attorney with the following words: "I'm asking the courts to give me someone that's willing to help me fight this case."
 

Dinkins seeks new attorney in the Breasia Terrell murder trial​

The man accused of the 2020 kidnapping and murder of Breasia Terrell will appear in court Thursday to ask for a new attorney.

Henry Dinkins is scheduled to be in Scott County Court at 8:30 a.m. Thursday for a hearing with Scott County District Judge Henry Latham to review the written request Dinkins made for a new attorney in late January.

Dinkins' letter to Latham was stamped Jan. 25 — the same day Latham moved the start of the trial to May 9, with a final pretrial hearing set for May 4. Before the change, Dinkins' trial was slated to start Feb. 14.

In the letter Dinkins said he had not seen public defender Miguel Puentes "but once in eight months." Dinkins also claims Puentes gave him false phone numbers and that he could not contact the attorney.

It was Puentes who filed the Jan. 20 motion to have the case continued, stating in his motion that “an assessment of our defense case indicates we are admittedly unprepared to proceed as currently scheduled; therefore, necessitating this filing.”

Dinkins concluded his request for a new attorney with the following words: "I'm asking the courts to give me someone that's willing to help me fight this case."
He is an absolute evil creep but the public defender should have been doing his job so this case can be tried and the man convicted.
 

Judge tells Dinkins to work out differences with public defender, denies request for new attorney​

It took 14 minutes for 7th District Judge Henry Latham to deny Henry Dinkins' request for a new attorney.


During Thursday's hearing, Puentes explained that as late as last Friday Dinkins had not expressed to Puentes a desire to replace him. He also explained a combination of factors led to infrequent in-person visits, including the the fact Dinkins is housed in Clinton County and "discovery has not been done in a timely manner."

"The discovery issues are not the fault of the prosecutors," Puentes said. "It's about the vendors and slow return of evidence — which isn't anyone's fault."

Dinkins told Latham he felt " ... there is a lack of communication between me and Mr. Puentes."

Scott County Attorney Mike Walton said the state's only concern was another delay to the trial and the need to " ... do whatever it takes to get this case to court."
 

Judge tells Dinkins to work out differences with public defender, denies request for new attorney​

It took 14 minutes for 7th District Judge Henry Latham to deny Henry Dinkins' request for a new attorney.


During Thursday's hearing, Puentes explained that as late as last Friday Dinkins had not expressed to Puentes a desire to replace him. He also explained a combination of factors led to infrequent in-person visits, including the the fact Dinkins is housed in Clinton County and "discovery has not been done in a timely manner."

"The discovery issues are not the fault of the prosecutors," Puentes said. "It's about the vendors and slow return of evidence — which isn't anyone's fault."

Dinkins told Latham he felt " ... there is a lack of communication between me and Mr. Puentes."

Scott County Attorney Mike Walton said the state's only concern was another delay to the trial and the need to " ... do whatever it takes to get this case to court."
Just so he can't appeal due to ineffective counsel... Not sure of the facts but it didn't sound as if he had even seen his attorney to speak of. I certainly want this man to rot but I don't want to see appeals.
 

Man accused of kidnapping, killing Breasia Terrell denied new lawyer for 2nd time​

he man accused of kidnapping and killing 10-year-old Breasia Terrell in 2020 will not get a new lawyer after a Scott County judge denied his second request on Friday.

Back in January, Henry Dinkins, 49, claimed his current attorney Miguel Puentes hasn't been communicating with or visiting him in jail. In a letter to Judge Henry Latham, Dinkins said he hadn't seen his attorney "but one time for 5 to 8 minutes top."

Latham denied the request on Feb. 10, according to court records.

In another letter to Latham, Dinkins, again, asked for a new attorney. He also said he would rather represent himself.

"I did hear you mention the seriousness of my allegations, that's why I asked for a different attorney to file those motion that are critical to my changes," Dinkins wrote. "I can have the best attorney in the world but that doesn't mean he or she is willing to put in the work on my case."

This all led to Friday's hearing, where Scott County Attorney Mike Walton accused Dinkins of trying to manipulate the schedule and delay the trial.

"If that's the case, we can have the case and I will represent myself," Dinkins responded. "If you feel I'm trying to prolong it, I will represent myself."

Judge Latham implored Dinkins to cooperate with his representation given the serious nature of the charges and his lack of legal knowledge.

"You have very good representation," Latham said. "Your attorneys have tried to communicate with you. They are trained in the law. They have handled many trials. You are facing very serious charges."

As of Friday, the trial is set for May 9 at the Scott County Courthouse.
 
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Man accused of kidnapping, killing Breasia Terrell denied new lawyer for 2nd time​

he man accused of kidnapping and killing 10-year-old Breasia Terrell in 2020 will not get a new lawyer after a Scott County judge denied his second request on Friday.

Back in January, Henry Dinkins, 49, claimed his current attorney Miguel Puentes hasn't been communicating with or visiting him in jail. In a letter to Judge Henry Latham, Dinkins said he hadn't seen his attorney "but one time for 5 to 8 minutes top."

Latham denied the request on Feb. 10, according to court records.

In another letter to Latham, Dinkins, again, asked for a new attorney. He also said he would rather represent himself.

"I did hear you mention the seriousness of my allegations, that's why I asked for a different attorney to file those motion that are critical to my changes," Dinkins wrote. "I can have the best attorney in the world but that doesn't mean he or she is willing to put in the work on my case."

This all led to Friday's hearing, where Scott County Attorney Mike Walton accused Dinkins of trying to manipulate the schedule and delay the trial.

"If that's the case, we can have the case and I will represent myself," Dinkins responded. "If you feel I'm trying to prolong it, I will represent myself."

Judge Latham implored Dinkins to cooperate with his representation given the serious nature of the charges and his lack of legal knowledge.

"You have very good representation," Latham said. "Your attorneys have tried to communicate with you. They are trained in the law. They have handled many trials. You are facing very serious charges."

As of Friday, the trial is set for May 9 at the Scott County Courthouse.
Why is most of this crossed out?

I sure hope they know what they are doing. This worked for Letecia Stauch although I think the judge may have done similar with her the first time or two as well, refused a change and to let her represent herself, advised against it or some such and then she continued and he let her represent herself finally and then awhile and she complained about that and finally wanted an attorney again and I believe got a new one...

I don't like most perps and I sure don't like this one but I'm not so sure about this... It probably is a game and was with Letecia and I didn't like that either but to feel you have an attorney who is not representing you and being allowed to do nothing about it is a pretty big deal if true... Let me tell you... I know it... And it is unfair IF TRUE.

I don't think we have heard the last of this... This seems to be a game at least some defendants know and courts are going to have to find a way to deal with it as I think it could be argued on appeal...?

It's not a new game though and I'm more used to seeing all the delay tactics work and judges granting defendant's requests each and every time drawing things out forever.... That's not the answer either...
 

Change of venue approved for man accused of killing Breasia Terrell​

A change of venue has been granted in the murder trial of Henry Earl Dinkins, the man accused in the kidnapping and shooting death of 10-year-old Breasia Terrell in July 2020.

Scott County Attorney Michael Walton said District Judge Henry Latham made the ruling Wednesday after a hearing in district court.

“We did not even resist it,” Walton said. “We conceded it. It was fairly clear that it was going to be necessary and we didn’t want to get started here and then find out we can’t have it here and then have it moved.”

Where the trial will take place was not determined Wednesday, Walton said.

“It is continued for a pretrial on April 8,” he said. “I assume we’ll know by then, maybe sooner.”

Dinkins, 49, also will get a new attorney assigned to him, despite a previous denial, after his court-appointed attorneys requested to be removed from the case.
 

Henry Dinkins, man accused of killing 10-year-old Breasia Terrell gets new lawyers​

The man charged in the kidnapping and killing of a 10-year-old Davenport girl has new attorneys.


Puentes and Worby asked to withdraw from Dinkins' defense on March 29, stating in a court filing that Dinkins refused to communicate with them.

Latham allowed Puentes and Workby to withdraw from the case last week. Dikins will now be represented by attorneys Jennifer Frese and Chad Frese, according to court documents filed Monday.

Dinkins' next court hearing is scheduled for Friday, court records state.
 

Breasia Terrell’s mother speaks one year after human remains identified as her daughter’s​

Breasia Terrell’s mother, Aishia Lankford, is sharing her grief a year after police confirmed the human remains found near a pond north of DeWitt belonged to her 10-year-old daughter, Breasia Terrell.

“A mistake that cost me my daughter’s life, that I will never get over,” said Lankford, “Nothing has changed. My life is still July 10th, 2020. Nothing has changed. I remember it like it just happened yesterday. March 23rd, [2021] when I sat out in the field with tears. Hair was standing up on the back of my neck. I knew it was her. I knew it. They didn’t have to tell me. I knew it. I knew it on the 22nd when I got that call on the 22nd and I will never forget it, at 7:33 p.m. the detective called me.”

Aishia says she struggles with survivor’s guilt and her son suffers from PTSD.

“The loss of my daughter, it broke something inside of me that can never be fulfilled,” said Lankford, “It’s the hardest battle that I’ve ever had to fight in my entire life, and man, I wish it was over.”

Since Terrell’s disappearance, the Quad City community has shown its respect with murals and memorials.

“I love it. I love all of it. Every event that they throw I wait until everybody leaves or the crowd dies down a little bit, then I go see it because I know that the community put their all into it,” said Lankford.

Aishia says nothing will replace the life that was taken or the justice the family says still needs to be served.

“What I want to see happen to him? Him [Dinkins] get life. I would say death but that would be too easy. A lot of people are saying he needs to burn in hell, that he needs to die and he does. He does. But that would be too easy. He should sit and rot like I do. He should have to close his eyes like I do and wake up in the middle of the night in tears and sweat because of her face. That’s what he should have to feel because that’s what I feel every day. He should have to feel that. He should have to feel everything just like me. Because it hurts and it hurts so bad,” Lankford said.
 

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