Iowa Man Sentenced for Killing 10-Year-Old Breasia Terrell

Henry Earl Dinkins was sentenced on Wednesday to two consecutive life terms without the possibility of parole for the murder and kidnapping of 10-year-old Breasia Terrell. In addition, he has been ordered to pay $150,000 in restitution to the child’s mother. Terrell went missing in July 2020, sparking extensive searches involving volunteers and law enforcement. Her remains were discovered in March 2021 in a pond north of Davenport.

Judge Henry Latham deemed Dinkins, 51, guilty of first-degree murder and kidnapping last month. Dinkins was charged with the girl’s murder in May 2021, accused of abducting and subsequently killing her. Terrell had been spending the night with her half-brother, Dinkins’ son, when she disappeared.

Dinkins, a registered sex offender convicted of third-degree sexual abuse in 1990, faced the trial’s location being moved to Cedar Rapids due to a venue change granted by the Iowa Supreme Court. However, shortly before commencement, Dinkins opted for a judge-only trial, leading to its return to the Scott County Courthouse in Davenport. The case’s resolution was significantly aided by Dinkins’ son, who provided investigators with crucial information leading to the discovery of Terrell’s body.

Author: Chris Morris