North Carolina Man Charged With Murder After Confessing To Killing His Four Children
ZEBULON, NORTH CAROLINA – Authorities in Johnston County have charged a 38-year-old man with murder after he allegedly called 911 to confess that he had killed his four children and that their bodies were inside a vehicle at his home.
According to the Johnston County Sheriff’s Office, deputies arrested Wellington Delano Dickens III on Tuesday and charged him with one count of murder following the discovery of human remains at his residence in Zebulon, located about 25 miles east of Raleigh. Officials said additional charges are expected as the investigation continues.
911 Call Leads to Horrific Discovery
Deputies said Dickens contacted emergency dispatchers Monday evening and calmly told them he had killed his children. Responding officers arrived at his home and found his 3-year-old son alive and unharmed inside the residence.
However, when deputies searched the property, they made a gruesome discovery — “multiple bodies” believed to be Dickens’ children were found inside the trunk of a vehicle parked in the garage.
Investigators believe the remains had been there “for a long time,” suggesting the killings occurred several months before Dickens’ confession. A warrant filed Tuesday states that one of the victims was likely killed on May 1.
Victims Believed to Include Three Children and One Teen
The sheriff’s office said Dickens is believed to have killed three of his biological children, ages 6, 9, and 10, along with his 18-year-old stepchild. Officials said the State Medical Examiner’s Office is working to confirm the victims’ identities and determine the cause of death.
“This is a horrific and heartbreaking case,” the Johnston County Sheriff’s Office said in a statement on Facebook. “Our investigators are working tirelessly to ensure justice is served for these innocent children.”
First Court Appearance and Ongoing Investigation
Court records show Dickens made his first appearance before a judge Tuesday afternoon on the initial murder charge involving one juvenile victim. He is being held without bond at the Johnston County Jail. His next court hearing is scheduled for November 13, and records indicate he will be appointed a public defender.
Authorities have not yet revealed a possible motive behind the killings. Sheriff’s officials said the investigation is ongoing, and “additional charges are forthcoming” as forensic testing continues.
Community in Shock
The small community of Zebulon has been left reeling by the tragedy. Neighbors described Dickens as quiet but increasingly withdrawn in recent months. Local officials called the case one of the most disturbing in the county’s history.
“It’s unimaginable,” one resident said. “You hear about things like this on the news, but never expect it to happen next door.”
Counseling services have been made available to nearby residents and first responders who witnessed the scene.
Readers can share condolences or community reflections on this developing story at SaludaStandard-Sentinel.com, where updates will be posted as new information is released.
Author: Caleb Ward | Category: Crime
