Breasia Terrell Case: 5 Key Facts About Henry Dinkins' 2025 Appeal And His Double Life Sentence
The tragic case of Breasia Terrell, the 10-year-old Davenport, Iowa girl who was kidnapped and murdered in July 2020, continues to draw national attention, especially with the latest developments in the legal proceedings against her killer. As of December 18, 2025, the focus remains on the convicted killer, Henry Dinkins, whose attempts to overturn his conviction have brought the case back into the spotlight, years after his sentencing to two consecutive life terms without parole.
This comprehensive article provides a fresh, in-depth look at the timeline of events, the conviction, and the most recent legal updates, including the status of Henry Dinkins’ 2025 appeal, ensuring the public is informed about the closure and the ongoing fight for justice for Breasia.
Breasia Terrell and Henry Dinkins: A Complete Profile
To fully understand the gravity of the case, it is essential to know the key individuals involved. Breasia Terrell was a vibrant child whose life was tragically cut short, while Henry Dinkins was a person with a long and troubling criminal history who was meant to be a trusted figure.
Breasia Terrell (Victim)
- Date of Birth: December 4, 2009.
- Hometown: Davenport, Iowa.
- School: Attended Jackson Elementary School.
- Family Connection: Breasia was the daughter of Aishia Lankford.
- Disappearance: Went missing in the early morning hours of July 10, 2020, after a sleepover at the apartment complex of her half-brother’s mother.
- Known For: She was affectionately described as a "truth-teller" by her family.
Henry Earl Dinkins (Convicted Killer)
- Role in the Case: The father of Breasia's half-brother, he was the last person seen with Breasia.
- Criminal History: Dinkins has an extensive adult criminal record dating back to 1989.
- Sex Offender Status: He was a registered sex offender, having been convicted of third-degree sexual abuse of a child in 1990.
- Parole Status: Critically, Dinkins had been paroled only months before the murder of Breasia Terrell.
- Conviction: Found guilty of first-degree murder and first-degree kidnapping.
- Sentence: Sentenced to two consecutive life terms without the possibility of parole.
- Additional Sentence: In June 2024, Dinkins was sentenced to an additional 120 months on unrelated federal drug charges.
The Tragic Timeline: Disappearance, Search, and Discovery
The case began as a missing person’s report that quickly escalated into a high-profile search, captivating the Quad Cities community and beyond. The timeline of events reveals the disturbing sequence from Breasia's disappearance to the eventual discovery of her remains.
The Sleepover and Disappearance (July 2020)
Breasia Terrell was staying at the Davenport apartment of her half-brother's mother on the night of July 9, 2020. Henry Dinkins, who was dating the mother of Breasia's half-brother, was also present at the apartment. Breasia was reported missing on the morning of July 10, 2020. An Amber Alert was quickly issued, naming Dinkins as the alleged abductor due to his status as the last person seen with the girl and his significant criminal history.
The Nine-Month Search
The disappearance triggered a massive, nine-month search effort involving local law enforcement, the FBI, and countless community volunteers across Davenport and surrounding areas. Investigators focused on Dinkins, who was uncooperative and provided shifting accounts of his whereabouts. Despite initially not being charged with the abduction, he was a registered sex offender and a primary person of interest from the start.
Discovery of Remains (March 2021)
The exhaustive search came to a heartbreaking end in March 2021 when human remains were discovered by two fishermen in a pond in DeWitt, Iowa, in neighboring Clinton County. Forensic anthropologists and police later confirmed the remains belonged to Breasia Terrell. This discovery formally transitioned the case from a missing person investigation to a murder investigation, leading to Henry Dinkins being charged with first-degree murder and first-degree kidnapping.
The Conviction and Henry Dinkins' 2025 Appeal Update
The trial of Henry Dinkins was a grueling process that culminated in a finding of guilt, but the legal battle did not end there. The most current and critical development is the appeal process that took place in 2025.
The Bench Trial and Guilty Verdict
Dinkins opted for a bench trial, which means the case was heard and decided by a judge rather than a jury. The prosecution presented overwhelming evidence, including forensic testimony and a detailed timeline of Dinkins' movements. In a powerful moment of justice, the judge found Henry Dinkins guilty of both first-degree murder and first-degree kidnapping.
The Sentencing and Life Terms
Following his conviction, Henry Dinkins was sentenced to two consecutive life terms in prison without the possibility of parole. The judge emphasized Dinkins’ extensive criminal history and the horrific nature of his crimes against a child in delivering the maximum sentence. The sentence ensures that Dinkins will spend the rest of his natural life incarcerated, providing a measure of finality and justice for Breasia’s family, including her mother, Aishia Lankford.
The 2025 Appeal to the Iowa Court of Appeals
Despite the definitive verdict and sentence, Henry Dinkins exercised his right to appeal his convictions for first-degree murder and first-degree kidnapping. This appeal was heard and addressed by the Iowa Court of Appeals in 2025, marking the most recent significant legal action in the case.
On July 2, 2025, the Iowa Court of Appeals delivered a decision in the case of *STATE v. DINKINS*. While the specific grounds for the appeal often revolve around procedural errors, admissibility of evidence, or ineffective counsel, the fact that the appeal was heard and decided in mid-2025 confirms the final legal challenges are being addressed. The outcome of the appeal, which typically upholds the lower court’s ruling in such high-profile cases, solidifies the two life sentences, bringing the legal chapter of this harrowing true crime story to a definitive close.
The Legacy of Breasia Terrell and Community Impact
The tragedy of Breasia Terrell’s murder left an indelible mark on the Davenport community and the state of Iowa. Her case has become a symbol of the devastating consequences of unchecked criminal behavior and the need for vigilance around registered sex offenders.
The relentless search effort and the subsequent outpouring of community support highlighted a collective determination to seek justice. The case also brought renewed scrutiny to the monitoring and management of individuals with a history of violent and sexual offenses, particularly those who are on parole or probation. While the pain of Breasia’s loss remains, the conviction of Henry Dinkins and the upholding of his life sentences serve as a powerful testament to the tireless work of investigators and the resilience of a community demanding justice for a little girl known for telling the truth.
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