In Memphis, Tennessee, on September 7, 2010, 9-month-old Lauryn Dickens was a bright-eyed baby with a radiant smile. Her life was tragically cut short in a case that shocked the community and left a lasting mark on the city.
Breaking News: 18-Year-Old Anneli Zavala-Acora Missing Since September 20, 2025, in Laurel, Maryland
What Happened
Lauryn Dickens was taken from her home at Raleigh Village Apartments near Yale Road in Memphis. Her mother, Shakara Dickens, claimed a woman had come to her door, stating she was a friend of Lauryn’s father and wanted to care for Lauryn until Shakara was released from prison. However, Shakara did not provide any identifying details about this woman — no name, no phone number, no identification.
Shakara did not report Lauryn missing for over a week. During that time, she went clubbing, purchased new clothes, and covered a tattoo on her back. Under pressure from her own mother, she eventually contacted the police — but by then, the truth began to emerge.
Search for Truth
Investigators questioned Lauryn’s father, who confirmed he had not spoken to Shakara for several weeks and had never sent anyone to retrieve his daughter. Cadaver dogs detected human remains in Shakara’s apartment and car, leading police to intensify their investigation.
In 2012, Shakara Dickens confessed. She admitted that overwhelmed by stress and frustration, she had strangled Lauryn and disposed of her body in a dumpster. Lauryn’s remains have never been recovered, though the garbage truck that carried her body was the last known location.
Legal Consequences
Shakara Dickens pleaded guilty to second-degree murder, manslaughter, child neglect, and false reporting. She was sentenced to 19 years in prison. Despite her confession, the absence of Lauryn’s remains leaves a deep wound for her loved ones.
Remembering Lauryn
Lauryn Dickens was denied the chance to grow up, to be loved, and to live her life. Her story is a solemn reminder of the importance of protecting vulnerable children and ensuring justice is served. Her memory lives on in those who refuse to forget her and continue to speak her name.
How You Can Help
If you have information about Lauryn Dickens or the location of her remains, please contact the Memphis Police Department at 901-545-2677. Public cooperation is vital to honoring Lauryn’s memory and bringing closure to her family.