DAVENPORT, Iowa — Editor's Note: This article is a live blog style, so the latest information is under the top time stamp. It may be best to read upwards from each time stamp if you wish to go chronologically for a recap.
For background on the case of Breasia Terrell, click here.
Day 14 | Tuesday, Aug. 29
12:23 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 29
The state wraps up their rebuttal. Judge Latham says "I will take this matter under advisement and have a ruling as quickly as I can." Court is adjourned.
11:46 a.m. Tuesday, Aug. 29
Assistant Scott County Attorney Elizabeth O'Donnell delivers the state's rebuttal. "Speaking of ignoring evidence, what the defense is ignoring here is that Dinkins is the last person who was with Breasia when she was alive. Who told us that? Dinkins' very own girlfriend. She saw him next to the car. That is the last known siting of Breasia."
O'Donnell says the defense could not go after Andrea Culberson, so they went after D.L. "Why are we attacking this child and not Andrea? That's because D.L. described things and placed the defendant out at Kunau Implement on July 10."
The state says when the defense says Mr. Dinkins is "not savvy, look at his actions: leaving his cell phone at home when he has cell phone charges in his car, wiping down the machete with bleach that used to cut branches – that’s it. Those are steps taken to show the level of thoroughness he had when it came to covering his tracks that day."
10:52 a.m. Tuesday, Aug. 29
Defense attorney Chad Frese started his closing argument by saying to be careful who you point the finger at. "Nowhere in my career have I seen the fingers point back to the prosecution even stronger. The prosecution does not trust you, and wants you to decide with officers sitting in this courtroom, media, to believe this fairytale."
"Are you totally convinced Dinkins did these crimes? Is the evidence enough to say beyond unreasonable doubt Dinkins did these crimes?" The defense said the state has an opinion – but that is not the standard. "This is not a 'who done it.' This is a 'who proved it.' "
"I find it ironic there is not a single piece of physical evidence that Henry Dinkins sexually assaulted this girl," Frese said.
"What we have is by the fact he wasn’t paying attention to his biological son, he had insidious intent for the nonbiological child."
"What motive did Henry Dinkins have to hurt this little girl? None. Was he there every day of her life? No. Was he a perfect father figure? No. But he was there enough to have a relationship with her. He was there enough that the grandmother was comfortable enough to send Breasia along," Frese said.
Frese says that the state has tried to put together an elaborate timeframe for what they say could be Henry Dinkins. "The state called Dinkins savvy, I disagree with that. Take a look at this man, he is not savvy," Frese said.
Frese says no one ever put Breasia inside the Impala. "They didn’t even try, it was all an assumption. At 3:30 in the morning, they assume, Breasia and Dinkins take off and he allegedly kills her. Someone takes the time to shoot her three times, somewhat cover it up, and get back to the apartment around 5:30 am to pick up his son. He and his son go back to Clinton and at 7 they go to Walmart. They take their time and come back."
Frese continues "What they forget to tell you is they brought in the FBI crime team, Your Honor, and they spent hours and hours combing that RV. In that RV, they took everything that would have DNA on it or blood on it, or semen on it. Crying out loud, they were dressed in hazard suits. What do you know they found in the RV? Nothing."
Frese: "Why not test for all DNA? The state’s goal was to build a case around Henry Dinkins and pick only evidence that surrounds that conclusion – yet nothing in that RV, if she was raped in that RV, they would’ve found some form of DNA. They didn’t test for DNA. The state’s burden is evidence, and they didn’t do it. They had a year and a half to send that back and get DNA testing. What is the answer we got when I asked Sgt. Peiffer? “My supervisor said no.” This is the state’s fault, the state’s burden. They want to say she was assaulted in that RV? Then prove she was raped in that RV."
"Hours after she was 'sexually assaulted' and Dinkins sprayed down bleach to kill all DNA, no bleach was detected. I assume, Your Honor, if you want to kill DNA, that is more than a couple squirts. You smell bleach," Frese said.
"That machete is brand new. There was not a nic on that machete, it was brand new. It could not have cut through branches. The other items the state presented were to scare you. The machete, the baseball bat? The hatchet? A baseball bat and hatchet is scary, yet had nothing to do with anything in this case," Frese said.
Frese says Henry Dinkins is an affectionate guy. "The state wants you to say, 'because he didn’t do 1,2,3,4,5 you can assume...' You need to put judgment on that."
Frese says that the bottom line is the state developed its theory far too early in this case. That theory was Henry Dinkins molested and killed this girl but they never could find the evidence to support that.
"Think about the person who pulled that trigger, who was very close to the ten-year-old girl. And they pulled it one, two, three times on a ten-year-old child. That takes a special kind of person to do that, and that is not Henry Dinkins," Frese said.
Frese says if Breasia is a tattletale, why would she wait outside of the car after being assaulted so that Henry can go and grab a gun? "The state did not present circumstantial evidence. They presented speculation."
"There is no connection between the gun and Henry Dinkins, none."
The defense brings up the soil samples: do not be tripped up by the word 'inclusion.' "Those are word tricks the FBI plays. This COULD BE the same soil, not that it is, Your Honor."
The defense brings up D.L., saying he came in and testified under oath he saw his father shoot Breasia. "We know that is not true."
The defense argues the state cannot pick and choose what D.L. said is consistent. He was consistent on other things that did not help them, which they ignored.
The defense argues that bleach destroys DNA, but it cannot destroy trace evidence. They stripped Henry Dinkins down naked, swabbed his penis, swabbed under his fingernails, and found no DNA of Breasia Terrell.
"The evidence is not here, Your Honor. Are you convinced, are you fully satisfied? When you sit and go through all this evidence, Your Honor, will you hesitate to react? There is only one verdict here, you have to find Henry Dinkins not guilty," Frese said.
9:10 a.m. Tuesday, Aug. 29
The state begins its closing arguments. State's Attorney Kelly Cunningham starts to lay out her synopsis of the case against Henry Dinkins.
The state opened up with the lies Dinkins told Aishia Lankford, Breasia's mom, when they began dating. Dinkins stated he was in his late 20s – about two decades off.
Statements made claim Dinkins was a father figure to Breasia. But, after the start of their relationship, the state says he didn’t show up for his biological son, let alone Breasia. The state said Dinkins came around when he had a new car or girlfriend to show off.
Breasia stayed at the apartment complex that she had never been to before, where she had no friends, and where she knew no one. Lankford also stated that all the children slept heavily. More importantly, Breasia was a rule follower.
The state found this very important: What type of child was Breasia? She was a truth teller, as her grandmother stated. Breasia would tell on her brothers when they did something bad. The state said this had a significant impact on the events of July 10, 2020.
There was significant rainfall on the night of July 9. Lankford was called in early to work the next day. The last contact she had was when she dropped clothing off for the children on July 9. A text comes from Dinkins' phone that night from the two children saying they loved her. There was no initial reason for concern or worry.
The point the state wants to make about Breasia's brother D.L. is this: every claim he made was the information that led the police department in their investigation. D.L. stated he went to Dinkins' friend's house to play video games. That is consistent. The state credits Andrea Culberson as well, stating her information on the layout and timeline is also consistent.
The state said if an adult is abducting a child from an apartment, the last thing they would want is a cell phone that documents where they are.
During the morning that DPD Officer Burkle responded, Dinkins created the impression that he was not familiar with the area. The state urged the court to go back and look at body camera footage from that morning when Burkle asked, "Would you mind if I went in and searched?" Dinkins responded, “Well, we already searched.” Yet, Burkle insists.
Dinkins brings Burkle to the apartment but rather than going in, Dinkins knocks as if he were a guest. Andrea opens the door and Burkle explains he wants to go in, Andrea looks at Dinkins who is multiple feet behind Burkle, and asks “Did you ask him?” During that search, Dinkins leaves and no one can find him.
The state pointed out D.L.'s statement of Dinkins cleaning off the machete. The fiber of a white washcloth was found in the blade of that machete. The state used security camera footage to pinpoint Dinkins for 34 minutes at his RV. The state said this was used to sexually assault Breasia before realizing she wouldn't keep it secret. When he returned, he knew he had to take further action.
D.L.'s statement on what Dinkins wore when he left matched the statement of Jerod Brink, the man who pulled him out of a ditch. 3 of the 4 soil samples taken from the bottom of his car matched the soil sampled at the pond near the Kunau Implement in DeWitt.
The state points out investigators know Dinkins went to a Clinton, Iowa Walmart to purchase bleach after D.L. put the battery back into Dinkins' phone. That single event allowed the state to uncover what happened in Clinton.
Once Breasia’s remains were discovered, so were articles of clothing. The state pointed to her black shorts with discoloration: stating if you have a child who is sexually assaulted, bleach will kill that DNA.
"Mr. Dinkins is very savvy. He knew what he needed to do to destroy the evidence. The only thing he couldn’t control was the soil samples found under the Impala," Cunningham said.
Cunningham wraps up: While a majority of the evidence is circumstantial, the evidence is overwhelming. The child was taken from an apartment by someone who was not her father. That child was sexually assaulted and then murdered. The state asks the court to find Henry Dinkins guilty on all charges.
Cunningham finishes at 10:28 a.m. and the court took their mid-morning break.
Day 13 | Monday, Aug. 28
3:30 p.m. Monday, Aug. 28
After the state concluded with its final witness, Detective Hammes, the court took a short break. When they reconvened, defense attorney Chad Frese asked for a motion of acquittal.
"We believe no reasonable jury could find beyond a reasonable doubt that Mr. Dinkins committed either of these crimes under either of the theories put forth... We assert there is no reasonable or credible evidence that comes forth that puts Mr. Dinkins as the person who caused the death of Breasia Terrell," Frese said.
He went on to say that there was no person who could identify him as the one who pulled the trigger, no evidence of him possessing a firearm, or any DNA or physical evidence.
"We believe a judgment of acquittal should be entered based on the insufficiency of the evidence at this point and ask the court to enter a judgment of acquittal as to both counts," Frese said.
State's Attorney Kelly Cunningham responded with a lengthy argument, laying out multiple facts in the case.
"So when you go through that, your Honor, the question is, is there sufficient evidence to establish that the defendant caused the death of Breasia Terrell? Absolutely," Cunningham said. The state asked the court to deny the motion for a directed verdict of acquittal.
Judge Latham denied the motion for judgment of acquittal, finding sufficient evidence for the court to consider a verdict in this case.
Frese states that Dinkins will not testify, exercising his right to remain silent, and will rest his case, not presenting any evidence.
Judge Latham asks Dinkins if he understands that decision, to which he replies "Yes, sir" multiple times. "You've made a knowing and voluntary election not to testify, is that correct?" Latham asked. "Correct," Dinkins replied.
Closing arguments will be made tomorrow morning when court resumes at 9 a.m. Court adjourned at 3:57 p.m.
9:43 a.m. Monday, Aug. 28
Maureen Hammes, a detective with the Davenport Police Department, took the stand.
Hammes stated she interviews child victims and child witnesses.
Hammes interviewed Breasia's brother, D.L. The state began playing a videotape from D.L.'s interview.
D.L. is shown walking the detective through his morning with Dinkins. A few details contradict and his mother reminds him what lying is.
D.L. stated the morning of Breasia's disappearance, Dinkins went fishing and pulled bleach and a big knife out of his trunk.
Hammes said she is going to take Lankford and D.L. to a few different areas to see what D.L. could recall.
The court broke for lunch around noon.
Day 12 | Friday, Aug. 25
9:51 a.m. Friday, Aug. 25
DCI criminalist Micheal Schmitt took the stand.
Schmitt stated he became involved in Breasia's case after her remains were found.
Schmitt stated he did a number of analysis in the case. He was first tasked with the identification of the body's DNA.
Court adjourned shortly after.
9:13 a.m. Friday, Aug. 25
DCI criminalist Branden Stepanski took the stand.
Stepanski stated he started working on Breasia's case after her body was recovered.
On March 25th, 2020 He performed trace analysis on items such as a white shirt, shorts and bra.
On March 26th, 2020 he performed trace analysis on other items such as white plastic bottles.
Stepanski noted a discoloration on the shirt. He also noted the items had trace elements of chlorine, which can be found in bleach.
Stepanski tested the white plastic bottle that did not have a crack in it.
Cross examination began.
The defense questioned if bleach was ever found on any of the items. Stepanski answered no.
Day 11 | Thursday, Aug. 24
3:44 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 24
The State calls Benjamin Wilson, another member of the Big River Rescue and Recovery Dive Team, to the stand. Wilson was the head diver on the evidence recovery mission.
Wilson used a metal detector to locate metal underwater, mainly crawling around on his hands and knees. Concrete debris containing wire on the north side of the pond caused the detector to go off frequently.
The revolver caused the detector to give off a strong tone as it was on the south side. Wilson held steady on the revolver for half an hour as police decided how to remove it from the water. Initially, they tried to keep the gun in a paint can, which was too small, before having to move it into a bucket.
Wilson leaves the stand at 4:02 p.m. Court adjourns at 4:03 p.m., reconvening at 9 a.m. Friday.
3:30 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 24
Another member of the Big River Dive Team, Steve Ebel, took the stand. Ebel served as the "line tender," working to establish a pattern within the pond of where the intended target may be to search.
2:30 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 24
Mark Poulos, a retired police officer took the stand. He is the creator of the nonprofit Big River Rescue and Recovery Dive team.
Poulous stated he was called by Sgt. Peiffer to help search a pond to recover evidence in the case of Breasia Terrell.
Poulous recovered the caliber from the pond.
1:44 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 24
Employee for DCI Labatory Jennifer Pullen took the stand.
Pullen stated she was requested to document and process the scene of Breasia's remains and collect any items that were located.
The state showed a video captured by Pullen showing the scene where Breasia's remains were found.
1:35 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 24
Detective Obert took the stand.
Obert began answering questions pertaining to activity picked up on cellphone towers.
11:27 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 24
Ian Saginro from the trace evidence unit of the FBI took the stand.
Sanginro stated he was involved with the soil samples collected from under Dinkins Impala.
The state asked if the four samples he reviewed from the Impala were taken from different areas of the Impala.
Sanginro read off his report that said the soil samples from under the Impala and the soil samples from the gravel road cannot be differentiated. Meaning the possibility they are the same soil cannot be ruled out. But, differences were found.
10:50 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 24
FBI special agent James McMillan took the stand.
McMillan said they investigated from the inside out, meaning they started with those closest to Breasia.
McMillan stated they investigated Dinkins to establish if they should include him as someone who abducted her or excluded her.
The state walked McMillan through soil samples he collected.
9:07 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 24
Court starts this morning by playing video segments of the interview that Davenport Police Officer Sean Johnson conducted with Jerod Brink. Brink is the man who pulled Henry Dinkins' Chevy Impala out of a ditch near the pond near Kunau Implement in DeWitt the morning of July 10, 2020.
Brink stated during the interview he helped a black man out of a ditch during an early July morning. The officer asked what color the car was which Brink answered "I am almost positive it was maroon."
Officer Johnson pointed out the area Brink brought him to on a map.
Cross examination began.
The defense asked how many search warrants the officer had written. Johnson replied hundreds.
The defense stated in Brinks sworn testimony, he said the car was a Chevy Malibu.
Day 10 | Wednesday, Aug. 23
4:00 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 23
Davenport Police Officer Sean Johnson takes the stand. Johnson prepared the search warrant for Dinkins' 2007 maroon Chevy Impala. The warrant was asking to look for DNA, any biological or forensic evidence.
Johnson interviewed Jerod Brink on March 24, 2021, at the Davenport Police Department. Brink recalled the early morning that he pulled Dinkins' car out of a ditch near Kunau Implement.
Court adjourned at 4:20 p.m. They plan to start Thursday morning at 9 a.m. with the playing of the recorded interview of Brink at the DPD.
3:39 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 23
Court resumed after an afternoon break. The defense is reading the deposition of Jerod Brink, who died of a heart attack this past June. A man is standing in on the witness stand to read Brink's part of the deposition. Brink is the man who pulled Henry Dinkins out of a ditch around 4:30 a.m. along Highway 61 near DeWitt on July 10.
Brink's testimony is that he picked up Dinkins, who directed him back to the old quarry pond by Kunau Implement to pull Dinkins' car out of a ditch. Brink says there were no other people in the car when he pulled it out.
Brink said that Dinkins offered him $100 a few times, which Brink refused, saying "Just do something nice for someone else."
2:08 p.m. Wednesday, Aug 23
Michael Tate took the stand, a criminalist with the DCI crime Laboratory.
Tate has worked in the firearm and toolmark area of the lab since late 2007, and officially transferred in 2015.
Tate reviewed the bullets found with Breasia's remains.
Tate stated when a bullet is fired down a barrel it is going to expand inside the barrel. As it seals itself against it, part of it is pushed into six grooves. This forces a bullet to take on the form it's been forced into.
1:57 p.m. Wednesday, Aug 23
Joesph Adams took the stand.
Adams said he lived outside of DeWitt, Iowa for 20-plus years.
Adams said he was friends with Jerod Brink, prior to his passing.
The state asked if Brink mentioned pulling someone outside of the ditch. Adams said yes.
Adams explained Brink told him someone was stuck and he helped pull the car out. Adams told Brink they were looking for someone in that area, and showed him a flyer of Henry Dinkins. Brink said that was the car he pulled out.
Adams said he told Brink police officers were looking for the car, and he encouraged Brink to call the police.
1:35 p.m. Wednesday, Aug 23
Lunch break concluded. Direct examination of Dr. Kruise resumed.
Cross-examination began on Dr. Kruise.
The defense questioned sharp force trauma. Dr. Kruise said when that makes contact with the skin it cuts the skin and everything underneath it.
Blunt force trauma is flat and causes more of a crushing impact.
Dr. Kruise said she was unable to detect the exact time Breasia died.
11:13 a.m. Wednesday, Aug. 23
Doctor Kelly Kruise took the stand. She is a forensic pathologist.
Kruise stated she was involved with the autopsy performed on the remains of Breasia.
Kruise said she paired Breasia's DNA to the DNA found on the remains.
Kruise stated bleach and environmental factors, like being outside and rained on, can destroy DNA.
Kruise stated in her report she put Breasia's reason for death as multiple gunshot wounds, and the manner was a homicide.
10:56 a.m. Wednesday, Aug. 23
Clinton County Deputy, Adam Wojciechowski took the stand.
Wojciechowski said he was involved with the discovery of Breasia's remains on March 22, 2021.
Wojciechowski said he did not drive down to the pond as he was afraid he would get stuck on the steep entryway.
Wojciechowsk said once he saw the remains he identified the skull as a human skull. He stated he immediately thought it was Breasia Terrell.
9:14 a.m. Wednesday, Aug. 23
Sgt. Peiffer resumed the stand.
The state questioned Sgt. Peiffer on the origin of the firearm. Sgt. Peiffer stated the dealer it was purchased from had a fire and lost their documents.
Cross-examination began.
The defense asked if Breasia was ever in the Impala, and what evidence did they have. Sgt. Peiffer said just statements from Andrea Culberson.
The defense asked if she was standing outside of the Impala. Sgt. Peiffer said yes, but when Dinkins left she was gone meaning she was in the car.
The defense questioned statements D.L. made about where he last saw Breasia. Sgt. Peiffer agreed Credit Island turned out not to be an area of concern.
Day 9| Tuesday, Aug. 22
3:27 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 22
Court resumes with Sgt. Peiffer on the stand. They discuss the evidence found around the site where Breasia's skeletal remains were found in DeWitt.
Clothing items collected at the scene stayed with the remains as much as possible. The remains and clothes went to the state medical examiner’s office initially for an autopsy, then were sent to the DCI laboratory for analysis. Sgt. Peiffer asked for 'discoloration' on top of a pair of basketball shorts to be analyzed.
Sgt. Peiffer speaks to the dive team that launched a small boat, divers, and equipment. Within 30 minutes or so, a diver indicated they felt what they thought to be a firearm in the mud in the pond. A buoy was put in the pond to identify the location. The firearm was recovered and put in a bucket with the pond water to maintain pH balance.
The state presents photographs of the recovered gun. Sgt. Peiffer puts on gloves to cut open the evidence bags holding the bullets recovered from Breasia's body.
Peiffer opens bags of evidence in the courtroom containing a 4XL shirt found on Breasia's remains, then a pair of black basketball shorts. He also opened a bag containing a bra, then a turquoise and white slide sandal found nearby.
Court adjourned at 4:23 p.m., and is set to resume at 9 a.m. Wednesday.
2:30 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 22
Sgt. Geoffrey Peiffer with Davenport Police took the stand again.
The state began questioning what happened on March 22, 2021.
Sgt. Peiffer stated he responded to an area near the Kunau Implement in DeWitt.
The court takes an afternoon recess shortly after 3 p.m.
2:18 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 22
David Baker took the stand.
Baker stated he was a resident of Clinton County during the time of July 10th, 2020.
In January 2021, Baker stated he was an inmate in Clinton County Jail along with Dinkins.
Baker stated he became familiar with Dinkins and they shared a "pod" together which had a television.
Baker stated Dinkins said they would never find Breasia's body and looked back at him when he said it. Baker reported it to the correctional staff.
2:07 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 22
Eric Johnson took the stand.
Johnson identified himself as the third fisherman who went fishing on March 22, 2021.
Johnson said they went fishing around 5:30 pm.
1:57 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 22
Jesse Dau took the stand.
Dau stated he was fishing with Rogge and another friend on March 22, 2021.
1:40 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 22
Court resumed after a lunch break.
Brendan Rogge took the stand.
Rogge stated he went fishing with two friends on March 22, 2021.
Rogge detailed how he glanced out of the corner of his eye and saw something very white, which turned out to be a skull.
The three fishermen called the police.
11:36 a.m. Tuesday, Aug. 22
Jodi Webb, an FBI laboratory employee took the stand.
Webb stated she worked with geographical materials.
The state asked if Webb worked with soil samples. Webb answered yes.
Webb stated she was asked to look at soil evidence in order to assist with the search for Breasia.
11:28 a.m. Tuesday, Aug. 22
State called Matthew Dean to the stand.
Dean stated he was in the Clinton County Jail at the same time as Henry Dinkins in January of 2021. Dean stated he knew about Breasia's disappearance.
The state asked if Dean spoke to Dinkins during their time in jail. Dean said yes, that Dinkins would blame a female for the disappearance and said it was part of sex trafficking.
Dean said Dinkins made it apparent he had no involvement and did not try to engage in conversation with Dinkins. One day, Dinkins made a comment saying "They're never going to find Breasia." Dean then reported that comment to the jail.
Cross-examination began on Dean.
The defense asked if Dean and a few others were sitting around the TV watching a news story on Breasia. Dean agreed.
The defense asked Dean if Dinkins ever said he killed Breasia. Dean said no.
11:24 a.m. Tuesday, Aug. 22
Cross-examination of Dr. Garvin began.
The defense asked if you can tell how close a person was when the trigger was pulled. Garvin answered she cannot. The defense then questioned if there was evidence of sharp force trauma. Dr. Gavin said she did not see any evidence of that.
Dr. Gavin explained sharp force trauma and blunt-force trauma that did not touch bone would not show in her findings.
9:55 a.m. Tuesday, Aug. 22
Direct examination began on Heather Garvin, a board-certified forensic anthropologist.
Garvin explained she primarily deals with bones and skeletons. Garvin helps assist the medical examiner's office.
Garvin became involved in Breasia's case on the morning of March 23, 2021.
Garvin went to the scene where human remains were found and assisted law enforcement.
The state asked Garvin if there was anything obvious about the human remains. Garvin stated the remains were those of a child.
The state presented a photo of the skeletal remains, and Dr. Garvin began pointing out areas that still had mummified skin. Dr. Garvin then pointed out areas where animals had dragged and chewed on the remains.
Dr. Garvin identified the dental discoveries belonged to Breasia Terrell.
9:52 a.m. Tuesday, Aug. 22
The re-cross examination began on Obert.
The defense questioned if there is any evidence where the bleach was used. Obert said no.
"I'm sick of hearing theories, I want facts," the defense told Obert.
9:36 a.m. Tuesday, Aug. 22
Re-direct began on Detective Obert.
The state asked if Obert was involved with DNA testing involving swabbing. Obert answered yes.
Obert stated he did not know Dinkins changed clothing at the time of the interview. They later confirmed Dinkins had a full clothing change after seeing body camera footage.
The state asked if there is any evidence that suggests Dinkins bought the bleach to clean or any other valid reason for purchasing Clorox at 7 in the morning. Obert replied no.
9:16 a.m. Tuesday, Aug. 22
The re-cross examination began on Detective Evan Obert.
The defense questioned Obert on D.L.'s reliability and his alleged tendency to exaggerate. The defense then pointed out the different comments D.L. made in different interviews and how he did not mention a bloody machete in his interview with Obert.
The defense asked if D.L. ever mentioned bleach to Obert. Obert replied not that he can recall.
The state objected to the defense's line of questioning: saying they are questioning Obert on others' actions. The judge overruled the objection and instructed Obert to answer the questions he knows.
The defense repeatedly asked Obert if he had an issue with Dinkins changing his clothes. The state objected again, saying asked and answered. The judge sustained the objection.
Day 8 | Monday, Aug. 21
3:24 p.m. Monday, Aug. 21
Court resumes after a short break, with redirect by the State. SA Cunningham asks Officer Obert "What would any reasonable person do if a 10-year-old girl went missing in the middle of the night? They would call 911, right?" Obert answers yes.
They continue to look at the evidence, including the shoes that Dinkins wore to the police department. The witness also describes finding a bottle of "cleaner with bleach" in Dinkins' RV, along with bleach in the girlfriend's apartment, meaning there was "no reason to drive to Clinton to buy more bleach."
SA Cunningham asks how hard would it have been for a 10-year-old to walk from the apartment on 53rd Street to downtown Davenport, to see if it were a reasonable route for Henry to search. Obert says yes, it would be a difficult walk for a kid.
Court adjourned at 4:30 p.m. before the defense did any rebuttal. They are set to resume at 9 a.m. Tuesday.
1:45 p.m. Monday, Aug. 21
Cross-examination of Obert began.
The defense questioned if the white t-shirt was dirty. Obert stated nothing obvious.
The defense questioned why the state has referred to a white tank top as a wife beater. The defense then asked Obert to refer to the white tank top as a white tank top. Obert agreed.
The defense questioned if the footprints at Credit Island were compared to Dinkins' shoes. Obert stated they did not perform those comparisons.
The defense questioned Obert why the shirt was only tested for blood and not any DNA. Obert stated that Breasia spent the night with Dinkins -- meaning touch DNA would not have much of an impact.
The defense continued to push Obert on the DNA testing, asking if it would not be important to find touch DNA on Dinkins headwrap -- as Breasia could have touched that in a struggle.
Obert stated Breasia was shot at least three times.
Obert stated they could not trace the gun back, as the place it was purchased lost their records in some kind of flood.
The defense brought Obert back to the beginning. The defense asked if DL, Breasia's brother ever told Obert about watching Dinkins shoot Breasia or seeing a bloody machete. Obert said no.
Obert agreed DL gave a number of contradicting statements.
The defense questioned why the hours between Dinkins leaving the apartment and arriving at the station were so important to law enforcement, and if they thought Dinkins was scrubbing himself down and changing his clothes. Obert said that is a possibility. The defense questioned if they had any evidence of that -- which Obert replied no.
The defense brought up that Dinkins' phone never showed he powered the phone off -- meaning the phone died or the battery was removed.
1:40 p.m. Monday, Aug. 21
The state resumed direct examination of Obert.
Obert identified a pair of size 11 Nike shoes and a white 4 xl t-shirt that belonged to Dinkins.
9:43 a.m. Monday, Aug. 21
Officer Obert resumed the stand.
The state played video footage of Dinkins' Chevy Impala taking different routes throughout the night of Breasia's disappearance.
Obert described the flipflop that was found at Credit Island. Obert and another officer showed Breasia's mother the photo of the flip-flop.
The state played the body camera footage from Officer Obert showing Breasia's mother the flip-flop. Lankford said the flip-flop was not Breasia's. Lankford began breaking down in tears, yelling, "It's 9:30 and she's nowhere. She is nowhere. She is ten, man, she's ten."
The state asked Obert to draw a map of River Drive.
Obert began walking through the path of the Chevy Impala captured by nearby security cameras on the morning of July 10.
Obert said around 6:30 p.m. he responded to human remains fishermen who came by that could be Breasia on March 22, 2021.
Obert said a flip-flop was near the remains that matched the description Lankford gave for Breasia's shoes. Obert searched for bullet casings around the scene belonging to a semi-automatic.
Day 7| Friday, Aug. 18
3:32 p.m. Friday, Aug. 18
Officer Obert continues his testimony, tracking Dinkin's path of travel based on surveillance video, which is consistent with testimony from Henry's girlfriend Andrea Culberson. No cell phone activity was picked up in north Davenport.
The State presents exhibits of the Clinton Walmart store surveillance footage. First, Officer Obert comments that there are three Walmart stores within a 10-mile radius of Culberson's apartment where Dinkins was staying. There was "no reason to drive" to the Clinton location, Obert said.
Dinkins enters the store at 7:05 a.m., grabs a cart, and heads to the cleaning supply section, placing two bottles of Clorox bleach in his cart.
Based on surveillance video captured at Mile Marker 124 and Paasch Farms, Dinkins' travel in his car took 32 minutes. When the officer retraced that route, the trip took him 22 minutes, also what Google Maps indicated. The State shows that leaves 10 minutes unaccounted for in Dinkins' trip.
Obert says that he and another officer took D.L. on a route down to southwest Davenport, driving down Rockingham Road and Concord St. to get to Dinkins' RV and Credit Island. While there, D.L. said he saw his dad walk into a muddy, wooded area on Credit Island to wipe off a knife. Then D.L. and his dad went to the motor home briefly, then left the area.
Multiple businesses on Rockingham Road and Schmidt Road have multiple camera views, some capturing the lots where the motor home was stored.
Court adjourned for the weekend at 4:25 p.m. They are set to restart at 9:30 a.m. on Monday.
1:40 p.m. Friday, Aug. 18
Court resumed in session after a lunch break.
Direct examination of Officer Obert resumed. He interviewed multiple people, including Breasia's brother D.L. Officer Obert testifies that what D.L. said in his interview matched up with what the cell phone and surveillance video records show of Dinkins' stop at the Clinton Walmart.
The cell phone tower "ping" that was picked up by a Camanche cell phone tower was explained that the boy put back in the phone's battery while Dinkins was inside the Walmart buying bleach. Then D.L. took the battery back out so that Dinkins wouldn't know he was "messing with the phone."
The state is discussing where Dinkins' Impala was picked up by surveillance video that morning. Court took a 15-minute adjournment at 3:06 p.m.
11:25 a.m. Friday, Aug. 18
The state questioned Officer Obert about the call that took place in the interview. Obert stated it was between Dinkins and Officer Burkle.
Obert stated they received a search warrant for Dinkins' cell phone. They then sent it off for the information to be extracted.
The state introduced call and text logs extracted from Dinkins' cell phone.
Obert stated Dinkins received a text message from Officer Burkle at 11:15 a.m. that stated, "Henry it is Officer Burkle I need you to call me back."
Dinkins' call log showed he called Officer Burkle at 12:04 p.m.
Obert stated they also extracted Lankford's phone.
The state introduced images showing Dinkins wearing different shoes during his encounter at 8:55 a.m. with Officer Burkle and a different pair of shoes he wore the same day to the Davenport Police station around noon.
9:50 a.m. Friday, Aug. 18
The state played the recorded interview of Dinkins at the Davenport Police Department.
Officer Obert conducted the interview.
The recording showed Dinkins waiting in an interrogation room where he attempted to make three phone calls. Another officer answered the phone asking why he took so long to respond.
The officers in the room took his phone and began questioning him.
Dinkins claimed the Chevy Impala was in possession of his "homies." He cannot recall what car he picked up the children in to bring them to Andrea's apartment.
The officer asked about his relation to Breasia and Dinkins stated he "raised her".
The officer questioned where Dinkins went when he left that night. Dinkins stated everyone was in the right place when he left. D.L., his biological son was in bed and Breasia was playing.
Dinkins claimed when he returned to the apartment, Breasia was gone and Andrea was awake.
Dinkins said he went searching with his son D.L. Later that morning he called Breasia's mother while she was at work.
Dinkins stated he spoke to D.L. and said he didn't understand why his mom was mad at him.
Dinkins contradicted himself: suddenly stating he didn't know if Andrea knew Breasia was missing -- despite stating earlier she was awake when he returned and expressed concern.
The footage showed Dinkins constantly stating "This is crazy," " I'm really confused," and "I do not remember."
Lankford and Dinkins went back to the apartment where D.L. informed them a police officer arrived. This is the footage shown on day five of the trial from Officer Burkle's body camera.
Dinkins began blaming Lankford for suddenly leaving, saying she just walked away. "Who doesn't give information?" as he referenced Lankford.
Dinkins stated he wouldn't have any photos of Breasia on his phone, pointing out he had photos of D.L.: arguably contradicting himself from his previous statement that he raised Breasia since she was a baby.
Officer Obert questioned how Dinkins arrived at the interview without the Impala (going back to Dinkins' statement his "homies" were in possession of it), Dinkins said he never said he drove the Impala. Officer Obert pointed out that Dinkins left the apartment where Officer Burkle was in the Impala. Officer Obert asked where the Impala was. Dinkins stated, "It is reachable."
Officer Obert asked if they could download Dinkins' phone. Dinkins responded in shock "For what reason?" Dinkins then offered to open his phone right then. Officer Obert asked for Dinkins' passcode and Dinkins said he would open it for Obert.
Officer Obert left Dinkins with a map, asking him to circle the areas he searched. Dinkins stared at the map for several minutes without marking any locations.
Officer Obert returned when Dinkins had not marked a single spot on the map. Officer Obert looked over Dinkins' shoulder while he opened his phone. "Why you looking at me do my password?" Dinkins questioned. Officer Obert said he was making sure he didn't go in and delete anything. Dinkins said if he continued looking, he would not open it. Officer Obert waited for Dinkins to put the passcode in, but Dinkins seemingly could not recall. After a few tries, the phone opened.
Dinkins continued to state he had no issue with law enforcement looking at his phone. Officer Obert asked if he wanted to dictate what they saw.
"Why are you suspicious of me? These are my kids," Dinkins claimed.
"You're breathing really heavy," Officer Obert told Dinkins. Dinkins said he was a smoker and was thinking about "his baby."
Dinkins stated his "baby momma" (Breasia's mother) was furious and he had never seen her this mad at him.
To watch the full video of the hour-plus-long video, click here.
9:09 a.m. Friday, Aug. 18
Evan Obert, corporeal with Davenport PD took the stand.
Obert was the officer who interviewed Henry Dinkins at the Davenport police department on July 10.
Obert stated Dinkins was interviewed around noon on July 10, the day of Breasia's disappearance.
Obert was involved in the investigation on July 10th, stating Officer Burkle was the first on the scene. Obert said he arrived around 10:45 a.m. where officers were canvassing the area. Obert did not partake in the canvassing that day.
Obert stated the apartment complex Breasia was last seen at had no security cameras.
Obert arrived at the scene after Dinkins left and became unreachable.
Obert stated Dinkins was the first to be interviewed at the Davenport police department.
Obert said Andrea Culberson did not come forward about seeing Breasia standing outside next to the Chevy Impala until four days after her initial interview.
Law enforcement pinged Dinkins' phone while he disappeared before arriving at the police department. Obert said the sudden leaving of Dinkins was troubling.
The state began questioning Obert about the interview.
Obert said his main goal was to establish a time Dinkins noticed Breasia was missing from the apartment.
Obert printed out a map of the area during the interview for Dinkins to point out areas he searched. Dinkins said he had been "everywhere" and did not circle any locations.
Day 6| Thursday, Aug. 17
3:40 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 17
Officer Patrick Sievert from the Davenport Police Department took the stand.
Sievert stated he searched Dinkins' RV in search of Breasia.
Court adjourned shortly after 4 p.m., set to start back up on Friday at 9 a.m.
2:11 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 17
Tiffany Smith, forensic examiner for FBI Laboratory took the stand.
Smith stated she was involved with the case of Breasia Terrell as the case's field examiner.
Cross-examination began on Smith.
The defense stated no female DNA was found on swabs of Dinkins' penis or swabs from underneath his fingernails. Smith agreed.
1:38 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 17
Court resumed after the afternoon break.
Cross-examination of Linda Otterstatter began.
The defense summarized Otterstatter's conclusions: stating that the conclusions her report came to could not connect Henry Dinkins to any evidence provided to her. Otterstatter agreed.
The defense asked if any trace evidence was suitable for examination from the trunk of the Camaro. Otterstatter stated she did not test those items.
9:57 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 17
Linda Otterstatter, who is employed by the FBI in trace evidence took the stand.
Otterstatter defined trace evidence as debris small in size that can be transferred from one place to another.
The state showed a presentation put together by Otterstatter explaining how hair examination is conducted.
Otterstatter stated she was involved in the case of Henry Dinkins after she received items of evidence for examination purposes.
9:29 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 17
Monique Brillhart, who is employed by the FBI Laboratory in latent prints, took the stand.
Brillhart explained latent fingerprints are raised portions, a.k.a. friction ridges, of skin that exude sweat.
Brillhart stated she was provided a person of interest, Henry Dinkins, for a comparison of fingerprints.
Brillhart did not discover any latent fingerprints on the items she tested.
The state asked if the use of bleach would ruin latent fingerprints. Brillhart answered yes.
9:17 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 17
Walmart supervisor Matthew Gehant took the stand.
Gehant said he was called by the Davenport police department on July 11, 2020.
Gehant stated he was asked to review video footage for a vehicle of interest, providing a narrow timeframe of 6:50 a.m. to 7:00 a.m.
The state asked Gehant to explain how he identified the receipt that matched the subject of interest. Gehant said they matched up the time frame and referenced the store's electronic journal.
Gehant stated the purchase took place at 7:08 a.m. which included two bottles of 80 oz bleach.
Cross-examination began at 9:27 a.m.
The defense questioned the time he purchased the bleach and the brand. Gehant reiterated 7:08 a.m. and stated he did not know the brand of bleach.
Day 5| Wednesday, Aug. 16
3:55 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 16
Christine Baker, a civilian crime scene tech for Davenport Police Department in July 2020, responded to Andrea Culberson's apartment on the day Breasia disappeared. She took photos of the apartment as the last place that Breasia was seen.
Baker identified multiple items taken as evidence from the apartment, including a machete, a small kitchen knife, a pink camouflage 9mm pistol, and a pistol box.
After cross-examination, a record of a prior bench conference was made, and the court was adjourned at 4:40 p.m. Judge Latham sets court to start at 9 a.m. Thursday.
2:13 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 16
Detective AJ Poirier from the Davenport police department's special victims unit took the stand.
Poirier said he was involved on July 10th, 2020 with Breasia's missing child report. Poirier stated he was involved as a detective for the special victims unit.
Poirier retrieved and reviewed surveillance footage from Walmart on July 17th, 2020.
The state asked Poirier to describe what he saw on that footage. Poirier described Dinkins walking to the front of the store at 6:50 a.m. and noticing the store was not open. Dinkins returned the Impala and drove away, but parked again at 6:58 a.m.
Poirier stated the footage appeared that two people were in the Impala at the time, though he cannot identify the passenger.
Detective Poirier said he was also involved in the clearing on the scene where Breasia's body was recovered. They slowly removed sticks and leaves from the area and anything that might be identified as bone was checked by a forensic anthropologist. He said it was a time-consuming process.
1:40 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 16
Court resumed in session after a lunch break.
Corporal Joshua Stocking took the stand. Stocking stated he was a part of the detective bureau that responded to the apartment complex on July 10, 2020.
The state began laying foundation on the amount of effort put into the canvass of 53rd Street on July 10, 2020. Stocking said they went door to door on foot in search of Breasia.
Stocking stated they retrieved video surveillance footage from multiple cameras.
The state asked if Stocking and his team knocked on every single door of every residence in that area. Stocking answered yes.
The state asked if there was a certain business Stocking was supposed to retrieve video surveillance footage. Stocking said yes. He was directed to retrieve footage from a Clinton, Iowa Walmart after Dinkins' cellphone was pinged in the Camanche, Iowa area.
The state and defense approached the judge -- as the defense argued they cannot proceed with evidence from Walmart.
Objection against showing Walmart receipt was sustained.
Stocking detailed walking into the Walmart and retrieving the surveillance footage and receipt.
11:40 a.m. Wednesday, Aug. 16
Officer Elizabeth Tharp took the stand.
Tharp told the state she drafted up a search warrant for Dinkins' Impala on July 10th. Tharp was pregnant at the time and stated her smell was heightened. When police opened the trunk to the Impala, Tharp said she made another officer aware of a strong smell of bleach.
Tharp observing the smell created probable cause.
11:18 a.m. Wednesday, Aug. 16
Jason Pojar, a former officer at Davenport P.D. took the stand.
Pojar stated he was on duty July 10, 2020. He received notice of a vehicle of interest, which was Dinkins' maroon Chevy Impala. Pojar discovered the Impala parked illegally on the street, one block away from the Davenport police department. Pojar called the Chevy Impala in due to a search warrant out for the vehicle.
The state questioned the weather at the time he discovered the vehicle. Pojar stated it was warm and sunny and the Impala was parked on dry concrete.
Pojar said he located the vehicle around 1:30 p.m.
9:58 a.m. Wednesday, Aug. 16
The state called Officer Craig Burkle from the Davenport police department to the stand.
Burkle responded during the 8 a.m. hour of July 10, 2020 to a missing child report to River Meadows apartment.
Burkle said he met with Breasia's mother once he responded. He wore a body camera for the encounter.
Burkle stated Dinkins came out of the apartment complex to meet with him and Lankford. He put his focus on Dinkins and said Dinkins did not seem concerned and appeared very relaxed.
The state asked what happened when he spoke to Dinkins. Burkle said Lankford and Dinkins got in an argument, as Lankford yelled at Dinkins for losing her child. Burkle then asked for Dinkins' address which he said he did not know. Burkle then asked Dinkins for his phone number, which he said he did not know. Dinkins eventually gave Burkle his number.
Burkle asked to look inside of the apartment for Breasia -- Dinkins objected stating he already did. Burkle stated that eventually, Dinkins allowed him to search the apartment.
The state asked if Burkle lost sight of Dinkins while searching the apartment. Burkle stated he went to find Dinkins but he was gone. Burkle called Dinkins six times over the course of two hours and texted him once. Dinkins called back and stated he was going to the police department.
The state presented body camera footage from Officer Burkle.
That footage showed Burkle first responding to the apartment complex. Burkle walked around the complex searching for Breasia. Lankford and Dinkins argue over Dinkins losing their daughter.
Cross-examination began at 11:08.
The defense questioned Dinkins' clothing at the time of the body camera footage.
9:10 a.m. Wednesday, Aug. 16
FBI agent Cameron Smith took the stand.
Smith stated he was responsible for which items were sent for further testing. That included items previously seized by the Davenport police department. That included items from Dinkins Chevy Impala and his RV.
The state questioned Smith on his involvement of soil sample collection. Smith stated he took soil samples from Credit Island and Highway 30 in an attempt to match the soil found under Dinkins Chevy Impala.
Cross-examination of Smith began at 9:32.
Redirect began at 9:50.
The state asked while no DNA from Breasia was found in the Impala or RV -- was any of Henry Dinkins DNA found? Smith replied no.
Smith replied he opened the case of Breasia Terrell in July 2020.
The state questioned if Smith was aware of Breasia's younger brother -- DL's statement about seeing Dinkins with a knife he cleaned with bleach. Smith stated he had heard DL's claim.
Day 4| Tuesday, Aug. 15
4:00 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 15
Davenport Police Lt. Jason Ellerbach takes the stand. He recalls the search efforts looking for Breasia. Ellerback said they used drones, the Iowa State Patrol airplane, kayaks, and all available methods in the search.
Court adjourned for the day at 4:21 p.m., set to reconvene Wednesday at 9 a.m.
1:36 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 15
Lunch break ends.
FBI special agent Eli McBride took the stand.
McBride stated he specializes in evidence collection and crime scene processing for the evidence response team.
McBride stated the FBI was involved throughout different stages of the investigation.
McBride walked the state through the evidence collection process of Dinkins' RV.
10:00 a.m. Tuesday, Aug 15
Jim Peters, owner of a dog detection company took the stand.
The state questioned what the dogs do. Peters stated they specialize in human remain detection.
Peters described the process of training dogs to discover human remains.
Peters stated he was involved with discovering Breasia's remains walking the state through his path of travel at Credit Island.
Peters stated he was sent out on July 11th with his two dogs to search for the remains of Breasia. The dogs showed reactions and Peters alerted law enforcement.
The state presented photos of a trailer, which Peters said also alerted his dogs.
Cross examination began at 11:41.
The defense questioned the reward system he used on the dogs, bringing up the possibility the dog could work off memory to get a treat. Peters stated he did not give treats the first day of their search.
The defense stated the fact his dogs can detect human remains from thousands of years ago. Peters agreed. The defense questioned if dogs could identify human remains. Peters said no.
9:36 a.m. Tuesday, Aug. 15
Donita Garner, the mother of Aishia Lankford took the stand.
The state began questioning the events of July 9th, the day before Breasia went missing.
Garner testified Dinkins arrived around 11:30 to her house, the home Lankford and her three children resided in at the time, to pick up DL so he could spend a few nights with Dinkins.
DL insisted that Breasia came along. Garner claimed she did not like to bother Lankford while she was at work so decided she would inform Lankford Breasia was going with DL later.
Lankford's oldest child, CS asked to go as well, but Dinkins claimed there was not enough room.
The state questioned Garner on Lankford's activity on the morning of July 10th. Garner said she was unaware Lankford was called into work early because she was still asleep. Around 8:30 a.m. she received a call from Lankford, informing her Breasia was missing.
Cross-examination of Donita Garner began at 9:51 a.m.
The defense questioned Garner on her allowing Breasia to go with DL without telling Lankford and Breasia's past comfortability around Dinkins. Garner testified that Breasia was comfortable.
The defense questioned if DL had ever told Garner about seeing a bloody knife or seeing Dinkins shoot Breasia. Garner stated she does not question her grandchildren.
9:30 a.m. Tuesday, Aug. 15
Former Genesis West nurse, Amanda Kenny took the stand.
Kenny testified she took swabs under Henry Dinkins' fingernails for evidence.
Day 3 | Monday, Aug. 14
6:00 p.m. Monday, Aug. 14
Court adjourned around 5 p.m.
3:27 p.m. Monday, Aug. 14
Andrea Culberson, Dinkins' girlfriend at the time Breasia went missing, took the stand.
1:36 p.m. Monday, Aug. 14
The state resumed direct examination of Aishia Lankford after lunch break.
The state began questioning Lankford on the call she received from Dinkins on July 10th at 8:08 a.m. That call went unanswered. Call log showed multiple calls made by Lankford to Dinkins after that missed call. Those three calls went unanswered by Dinkins.
10:43 a.m. Monday, Aug. 14
Aishia Lankford, Breasia's mother took the stand.
The state presented a phone log from Lankford's cellphone.
Lankford stated she sees multiple outbound calls but no inbound calls.
Lankford stated the plans would be DL would stay with Dinkins for three to five days, and called or texted around 11 am on the 9th to let her know he was on his way for DL.
Lankford recalled telling Dinkins she got off work and was going to jump in the shower and head their way to drop off clothes. Lankford testified her mother informed her Breasia went with DL and Dinkins but she was not alarmed at the time.
Lankford told the state she packed clothes for both children, including pajamas.
The morning Breasia went missing she informed law enforcement the type of shoes she possibly was wearing, including flip-flops.
Lankford testified the apartment Dinkins and his then-girlfriend resided in, none of her children had been to or were familiar with. The state questioned Breasia's and DL's sleep patterns: Lankford said they all went out like a light and she had never sleepwalked.
The state asked Lankford if either of the children had a cellphone which she responded no, saying she needed to communicate through Dinkins's phone.
Lankford testified that after she dropped of her children's clothes on July 9th, she had to pull over on her way home because it was raining so hard she could not see.
The state asked Lankford to reach a text log between her and Dinkins.
Lankford testified that at 8:08 am on July 10th Dinkins called her saying he just woke up and asked if Breasia was with her. Lankford said she was not. She asked if Dinkins had called the police where she alleged he said he was on his way to make a report.
Lankford called the Davenport police where they told her no one had made a report.
The state played the 911 call Lankford made after discovering Breasia was missing.
9:36 am. Monday, Aug. 14
Henry Dinkins entered the courtroom wearing a short-sleeved button-up shirt.
The state calls Dinkins's biological son “DL” back to the stand.
DL said the morning Breasia went missing. Henry Dinkins took him to the Chevy Impala where he fell asleep. When he woke up they arrived at a man's house where Dinkins began drinking. After leaving that house, they went to Walmart. DL waited in the car while Henry was in the store. That’s when DL said he put the battery Dinkins had removed the battery from his phone. DL put the battery back in to play a game but took it back out when Dinkins returned to the car with bleach.
After leaving Walmart, DL said Dinkins took them down a dirt path. DL described Dinkins stepping out of the car and pouring bleach into bushes before putting the empty bleach containers back in the car. When DL asked Dinkins what they were doing, he said they were joyriding.
The state questioned DL if he went to Dinkins RV. DL said yes, Dinkins had a bloody knife he poured bleach on, entered the RV with it and did not return with the knife.
DL stated Dinkins went “half fishing” after the encounter before going to meet DL and Breasia’s mother. The state questioned DL if Dinkins called his mother, where DL stated they had a phone call but could not recall who called who first. DL stated Dinkins and his mother met in a Mcdonalds' parking lot where he left with his mother and she made a police report.
Cross-examination began at 10:10 on DL.
The defense questioned DL on why visiting an alleged man's house is just now being discussed. When asked who went to that house, DL testified Breasia and himself went to the house and played games inside, while Dinkins drank outside.
The defense paused: asking DL if he just stated Breasia was still alive and with him during the morning hours of her disappearance. DL stated yes.
The defense asked DL why so many aspects were just being brought up now in court, questioning if he just answers things in the way he wants. DL responded yes.
DL stated he witnessed Henry Dinkins shoot Breasia.
Redirect began by State, who clarified DL was speaking about the day prior to Breasia's disappearance, when he spoke about the two playing video games at Dinkins friend's house.
Day 2 | Friday, Aug. 11
4:25 p.m. Friday, Aug. 11
Breasia's younger brother D.L. takes the stand as a witness for the State. D.L. is now 11 years old. He is recounting the events of July 10, the day that he and his sister went to Dinkins' apartment he shared with his girlfriend Andrea Culberson in Davenport. D.L. recalls seeing Dinkins stare into the back room where he and Breasia were, shortly before going to bed. He felt a kick at some point in the night but fell back asleep. When he woke up, Breasia and Henry were not there. Andrea was also up, looking out the windows for Henry.
Court adjourned shortly before 5 p.m. on Friday. Judge Latham says that the court will reconvene at 9:30 a.m. on Monday.
3:20 p.m. Friday, Aug. 11
FBI agent Richard Fennern discussed when data was picked up from Dinkins’ cell phone. Around 7 a.m. on July 10, there was a “burst of activity” on the phone when the phone appeared in a new area in Clinton and then where Breasia’s body was found. Those cell tower hits allowed investigators to later canvas that area for video related to the case.
1:38 p.m. Friday, Aug. 11
Court returned from a lunch break. Davenport firefighter Dustin Garner took the stand. The State presented images Garner took from Breasia’s mother, Aishia Lankford’s phone. Those images displayed a conversation between Henry Dinkins and Lankford. The photograph showed a message from Dinkins’ phone that stated “Goodnight Mom.”
Garner stated that Lankford was willing to hand over her phone and her call log. Garner stated on July 10, 2020, he was sent to Lankford’s mother’s house to pick up two bags of clothing. Garner photographed both bags and turned them over to evidence.
Garner escorted a maroon Chevy Impala to Davenport Public Works where they removed the gas tank. Garner said this was to assess the amount of gas left, to see the distance the Impala traveled.
Once the Chevy Impala was raised, Garner stated he noticed mud and grass stuck under the vehicle. Garner said this struck him as odd, as the Chevy Impala had to be driven off-road to get mud and soil in the undercarriage.
11:22-11:50 a.m. Friday, Aug. 11
Upon Fritz's response to the human remains, she was instructed to photograph branches around the remains. When the state asked why, Fritz said the branches seemed to be cut around the remains, meaning the possibility of an intentional disturbance.
On March 22nd, 2021 Fritz was dispatched to Clinton County after Sgt. Peiffer asked Fritz to respond to human remains being found.
On July 20th, 2020 Fritz was asked to dispatch to the evidence processing area to swab the exterior areas of Henry Dinkins' maroon Chevy Impala.
Fritz found chemical reactions on the toilet, mattress, sink, and bathtub in the apartment. She swabbed each surface for evidence.
The state questioned Fritz on how she tested areas for possible blood. Fritz said she used a chemical used to search for blood evidence that reacts with iron in blood to turn areas blue.
Fritz said she took photographs and collected evidence at River Meadows apartment number 8 (Dinkins' then residence with then-girlfriend, Andrea Culberson) on July 17th, 2020.
Civilian Crime Scene Technician for Davenport Police Department, Alicia Fritz took the stand.
10:52-11:22 a.m. Friday, Aug. 11
Brief break.
10:33 a.m. Friday, Aug. 11
The state addressed the matter of the bloody white t-shirt in the Clinton homicide case the defense brought up during cross. The state asked Sgt. Peiffer to describe the clothing found along with Breasia's remains. Sgt. Peiffer said it was a white 4XL t-shirt: unlike the child size 10 t-shirt discovered in the Clinton murder suspect's car.
State asked Sgt. Peiffer to describe what he saw on the video surveillance at the Quik Stop during the 3 a.m. hour of July 10. Sgt. Peiffer described the maroon Chevy Impala parked by the gas pump. While Dinkins checked out, he noted Dinkins continued checking back outside towards the car and left in a hurry, without taking change from the cashier.
State began redirect examination of Sgt. Peiffer.
9:55-10:33 a.m. Friday, Aug. 11
The defense stated that within a week, Henry Dinkins' pictures were put into the public view and remained there until Breasia's remains were found, making him a suspect. Sgt. Peiffer agreed with the defense.
Sgt. Peiffer agreed with the defense's statement that no blood of Breasia was found in the investigation, particularly in the Chevy Impala.
The defense brought up a homicide investigation in Clinton 10 days after Breasia's disappearance. Sgt. Peiffer said he was aware of that investigation. Defense brought up a bloody, child-size 10 white t-shirt that was discovered in the back of that Clinton, Iowa suspect's car. Sgt. Peiffer stated he was aware of this.
Henry Dinkin’s defense questioned Sgt. Peiffer on why Henry Dinkins was the focus instead of his girlfriend at the time, Andrea Culberson. Sgt. Peiffer answered Dinkins was the sole person responsible for Breasia at the time. Again, the defense asked why their main focus was on Dinkins when other players were involved. Sgt. Peiffer replied, when a 10-year-old is missing and there is no sense of alarm, when a young child is missing in an unfamiliar area – and the person responsible for her made no actions but to drive around, the police were alarmed.
Defense began cross-examination on Sgt. Peiffer.
9:16-9:55 a.m. Friday, Aug. 11
Through video surveillance, Sgt. Peiffer discovered Henry Dinkins exiting the maroon Chevy Impala at a Clinton, Iowa Walmart where he purchased two bottles of Clorox bleach. Sgt. Peiffer detailed bleach can be used to conceal evidence at crime scenes.
Sgt. Peiffer discussed the use of cellphone towers during the investigation. Henry Dinkins's cellphone made brief contact with a cellphone tower in Camanche, Iowa. Sgt. Peiffer said little data was exchanged at that contact point -- meaning the phone was turned on but not used.
State asked Sgt. Peiffer to speak about the weather conditions on July 10, 2020. He said the weather was stormy during the search of the maroon Chevy Impala. When searched, they discovered mud stuck to the bottom, despite Dinkins being documented driving that vehicle only in dry areas.
State presented images of vehicles associated with Henry Dinkins including his motorhome, maroon Chevy Impala and a black Chevy Camaro.
State called Sgt. Peiffer back to the stand. State presented an image of the area next to Kunau Implement Co. where Breasia's remains were recovered. The photo presented was taken in July of 2023 -- showing the vegetation covering areas. Sgt. Peiffer deemed the photograph is similar to what the area would've looked like when Breasia went missing on July 10th 2020.
Court came back in session at 9:15 a.m.
Henry Dinkins entered the court room in a gold button-up shirt.
Day 1 | Thursday, Aug. 10
4:20 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 10
Court adjourned for the day, set to reconvene at 9 a.m. Friday.
1:45-4:20 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 10
Sgt. Peiffer resumes and completes his testimony.
2:02 p.m.- Communications Specialist with the Davenport Police Department Mona Varela takes the stand.
2:25 p.m.- Christopher Mayer, Davenport Police Department
Short break from 2:50 p.m. to 3:14 p.m.
3:15 p.m.- Jill Foster, former lead crime scene technician with Davenport Police Department, testified for just over one hour.
12:05-1:40 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 10
Court was in recess for lunch.
11:14 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 10
The State calls its first witness, Sgt. Geoffrey Peiffer with the Davenport Police Department.
Sgt. Peiffer testified that though missing child cases are not uncommon in Scott County, they are resolved pretty quickly; citing instances of children hiding within homes or teenagers running off with friends. When SA Cunninghman asked Sgt. Peiffer if this case felt like another missing child case, Sgt. Peiffer replied "no".
Despite an objection from Dinkin's defense, SA Cunningham submitted a legend into evidence: asking Sgt. Peiffer to elaborate on ways vehicles could travel throughout the area. The legend highlighted multiple areas of construction, that give reason for possible detours used during the time.
10:54 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 10
State's Attorney Cunningham concludes her opening statement. Dinkins' defense states they will reserve the right to decline their opening statement, opting to discuss during evidence. SA Cunninghman asked that one witness be called before lunch, as to take advantage of a witness that needs to catch a flight. Court is in recess for 15 minutes.
9:30 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 10
Henry Dinkins walks into the Scott County courthouse. He is dressed in street clothes, wearing a black, collared button-down shirt.
Judge Henry Latham is presiding over the bench trial. He arrives in the courtroom. Scott County State's Attorney Kelly Cunningham began her opening statements, laying out the state's case, at 9:42 a.m.
Case background:
On July 9, 2020, Breasia spent the night with her half-brother, D.L, at Dinkins' Davenport apartment. Dinkins is the father of D.L., who came home the next morning, but Breasia did not.
Breasia was reported missing on July 10. Her remains were found several months later in Clinton County by two fishermen.
On May 5, 2021, then-Scott County Attorney Mike Walton announced Dinkins was being charged with the killing of Breasia, on or around July 10, 2020.
On June 16, 2021, Dinkins pled not guilty to Terrell's murder.
Due to pretrial publicity, Dinkins successfully requested to have his trial moved to a different county on March 25, 2022.
On April 20, 2023, the Iowa Supreme Court made the decision to move the trial to Linn County.
Dinkins also changed lawyers following a breakdown of the attorney-client relationship.
Watch the trial in its entirety on News 8's YouTube channel