Zebulon, NC – A 38-year-old North Carolina father, identified as Wellington Delano Dickens III, has been arrested after allegedly killing four of his children and hiding their bodies in the trunk of his car while leaving his youngest child alive inside the home. Authorities say Dickens called 911 on Monday night and confessed to the horrifying crime.
The Incident: Father’s 911 Confession and Tragic Discovery
According to the Johnston County Sheriff’s Office, Dickens called emergency services around 10 p.m. on October 27, telling the dispatcher, “I killed my children.” He provided his name and address in the 100 block of Springtooth Drive in Zebulon, about 175 miles east of Charlotte.
“Mr. Dickens stated to deputies that his 3-year-old son was inside the house alive and four of his other children were deceased inside the trunk of a vehicle in the garage of the residence,” the sheriff’s office said in a statement.
When deputies arrived, they found the 3-year-old boy unharmed inside the home. However, upon entering the garage, they made a grisly discovery — multiple bodies inside the trunk of a car.
Authorities later determined that the bodies had been there for a significant period of time, suggesting the deaths occurred well before the 911 call.
Investigation and Evidence Found at the Scene
Following the initial discovery, detectives obtained a search warrant for Dickens’ home. Inside, investigators found evidence leading them to believe that Dickens had killed three of his biological children, ages 6, 9, and 10, along with his 18-year-old stepchild.
The North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation and the Office of the State Medical Examiner were called to assist local authorities. Due to the condition of the remains, officials said formal identification would need to be confirmed by the medical examiner.
As of now, investigators have not disclosed how the children died, citing the ongoing nature of the investigation.
“The apparent time since death makes the cause and timing of the murders difficult to determine at this stage,” a sheriff’s spokesperson said.
Court Proceedings and Charges
Dickens has been charged with one count of murder in the death of a juvenile, though authorities have made clear that additional charges are anticipated as the case develops.
He is currently being held without bond at the Johnston County Jail and is scheduled to make his first court appearance on Tuesday afternoon.
Prosecutors are expected to file multiple counts of murder once autopsy results and formal identifications are complete.
Authorities’ Response and Ongoing Investigation
The Johnston County Sheriff’s Office emphasized that this remains an active investigation, with detectives continuing to gather evidence and interview witnesses. The motive behind the killings has not been publicly disclosed, and officials have not commented on why the youngest child, aged 3, was left alive.
“This is one of the most tragic and disturbing cases our office has ever investigated,” a law enforcement official said. “Our hearts are with the surviving child and the family as they process this unimaginable loss.”
Authorities have urged anyone with information related to Dickens or the family to contact the Johnston County Sheriff’s Office to assist in the ongoing investigation.
Background Context: A Growing Concern Over Domestic Violence
Experts have described this case as part of a disturbing national pattern of domestic violence and filicide—the act of a parent killing their own children. Law enforcement agencies across the country have reported a rise in family-related homicides in recent years, often linked to mental health struggles, financial stress, or relationship breakdowns.
Community advocates are now urging local leaders to strengthen mental health crisis response systems and domestic violence prevention programs to identify families in distress before tragedy occurs.
Ongoing Developments and Next Steps
As investigators await autopsy results and formal identification from the medical examiner, Dickens faces additional potential charges, including multiple counts of first-degree murder. Authorities said the surviving 3-year-old has been placed in protective custody and is receiving care.
Law enforcement officials continue to work with child services and forensic experts to build a complete timeline of events leading up to the killings.
Conclusion
The shocking case has left the Zebulon community reeling, as authorities try to understand why a father would take the lives of his own children and leave one behind. Investigators say their focus now is ensuring justice for the victims and care for the surviving child as the case moves forward through the North Carolina court system.
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