A 3-Year-Old Girl Vanished and Her Mom Claimed She Was Abducted — But Now Cops Say That Was a Lie

Authorities have canceled an Amber Alert for a missing 3-year-old girl after police in Delaware say the case is now being investigated as a homicide.

Nola Dinkins was reported missing on Tuesday, June 10, by her mother, who police now allege gave false information to investigators when they initially responded to a Newark, Del., home around 7:15 p.m. that evening, according to a statement from the New Castle County Police Department.

“Nola’s mother advised that she had pulled over after Nola became upset and was attempting to comfort her when an unknown White male armed with a handgun approached the vehicle and took Nola,” the statement reads.

The mother further claimed that the suspect fled in a dark-colored SUV driven by a White female, according to police. An Amber Alert was then issued for Nola, and police, along with the FBI, investigated throughout the night.

“As a result of that investigation, detectives determined the initial account of the incident given by the mother was false,” police said. “The Amber Alert is now canceled, and there is no danger to the public.”

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Police said the case is now being treated as a homicide investigation by the Maryland State Police.

“A body has been located in Cecil County,” Elena Russo, the spokesperson for the Maryland State Police tells PEOPLE in a statement. “Investigators are waiting on positive identification.”

No suspects have been identified by police.

Russo earlier told PEOPLE that while there “has not been any confirmation of a homicide,” investigators were searching Cecil County, where they believe the child lives.

Anyone with information relevant to the investigation is urged to contact the Maryland State Police North East Barrack at 410-996-7800.