DAVENPORT – A convicted Iowa sex offender was found guilty this week of kidnapping and murdering a young girl.
Today, Scott County District Court Judge Henry W. Latham delivered a guilty verdict in relation to the disappearance and death investigation of 10-year-old Breasia Terrell. The verdict was announced by Judge Latham following a 17-day bench trial. Judge Latham announced that 51-year-old Henry Dinkins (pictured, above) was found guilty of Murder in the First Degree and Kidnapping in the First Degree, both carrying a mandatory sentence of life in prison.
Breasia was reported missing to the Davenport Police Department on July 10, 2020. She was last seen in the early morning hours of July 10, 2020 near the 2700 block of East 53rd Street. Breasia’s remains were located on March 22, 2021 in Clinton County just north of DeWitt, Iowa. On May 4, 2021, Henry Dinkins was charged in relation to Breasia’s disappearance.
“Our thoughts have been and will continue to be with Breasia and her family who continue to experience the trauma of her loss. I am deeply grateful for the dedicated work of the men and women of the Davenport Police Department who have spent countless hours over the past three years diligently working on this case. Because of their unrelenting effort, justice was brought on behalf of Breasia.” said Davenport Police Chief Jeff Bladel.
Throughout the investigation, Davenport Police and partner agencies together investigated an extensive number of tips, conducted hundreds of interviews, and served over 60 search warrants related to Breasia’s disappearance. During the multi-county search, numerous local, county, state and federal partner agencies aided in the search for Breasia by providing aircraft, drones, kayaks, boats, all-terrain vehicles, command centers, and countless other types of support along with hundreds of personnel.
“I also want to recognize our partners at the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigations, the Federal Bureau of Investigations, Scott County Sheriff’s Office, Clinton County Sheriff’s Office, and over twenty other local, state, and federal partners for their excellent work in the investigation and prosecution of this case,” said Bladel. “This case has been difficult and demanding on all personnel, and their hard work and dedication helped to bring justice on behalf of Breasia.”
During the 17-day trial, the prosecution called 51 witnesses to provide testimony including investigators, forensic experts, canine handlers, and family members. In addition, over 900 exhibits were offered and admitted as evidence.
Scott County Attorney Kelly Cunningham said “I’d like to thank the court and Judge Latham for his service and care in reaching this decision. I’d also like to recognize the diligent work and tireless efforts put forth by law enforcement to bring justice for Breasia. This case demonstrates the outstanding partnership and collaboration between prosecutors and law enforcement who are dedicated to the safety and wellbeing of our community.”
The public and community organizations were recognized for their assistance with the investigation- from volunteering for large scale searches across two counties, to the hundreds of tips that were submitted by the public, and for the support provided to those impacted by this incident.
Sentencing will be determined at a future court date, scheduled for October 11, 2023 at 1:30 PM. Dinkins has been in custody since July 10, 2020 on unrelated charges and will remain in custody until sentencing.
“Today, our criminal justice system delivered justice for Breasia Terrell and her family,” said Chief Bladel. “We thank Breasia’s friends, family, and community for the tremendous trust they placed in the investigation and prosecution of this terrible crime. While nothing can bring Breasia back to her family, I hope that this verdict allows for healing for Breasia’s family.”
Bring the death penalty back for this type of crime. These people are narcissistic so maybe they would think twice instead of killing victim and copping a deal.
Thank you Judge for your verdict in this terrible crime. I highly respect a judge who stands by the law & doesn’t accept a “plea deal” that happens in so many cases. May God Bless You! Verdicts are to easy in sex offenders!! Anyone who kills a child should receive the death penalty. Iowa needs to bring it back!!s One question I have is why did her mother allow a sleepover when she knew he was a sex offender?? An innocent child taken far to soon.