ZEBULON, N.C. — A North Carolina father is facing multiple charges of first-degree murder, accused of killing four of his children and concealing their remains in a vehicle trunk at his home. Authorities say Wellington Delano Dickens III, 38, made a chilling confession during a 911 call made late on October 27, where he informed dispatchers that his children were dead.
Emergency responders arrived at Dickens’ residence just after 10 p.m., where they found him alongside his 3-year-old son, who was unharmed. Investigators searched the property and discovered what appeared to be human remains in the trunk of a car parked in the garage. The Johnston County Sheriff’s Office stated that the remains seemed to have been there for a considerable amount of time.
In a recording of the 911 call, Dickens identified himself and provided his home address, claiming that he had killed his children and expressing remorse. He reportedly explained to dispatchers that the situation “started out as me over-disciplining,” though the details surrounding the incidents remain largely unclear.
Sheriff Steve Bizzell shared that investigations suggest the tragic events unfolded over several months, beginning in May and concluding in September of this year. Bizzell emphasized the incomprehensibility of a parent committing such acts, stating, “As a father and grandfather, I can stand here and say there’s no reason for a father to murder his children.”
Authorities revealed that Dickens’ wife, Stephanie, passed away under natural circumstances in April, following complications from a miscarriage. Investigators believe the alleged killings of the children occurred within the timeframe following her death.
Neighbors described the Dickens family as isolated, noting that the children were homeschooled and seldom seen outside their home. Captain Don Pate of the sheriff’s office stated that deputies had previously visited the residence but found no cause for alarm during their inquiries following Stephanie’s death.
In court documents, Dickens reportedly confessed to burying a fifth child behind their home, stating that the infant’s health had declined before he decided to wrap the baby in plastic and conceal the remains. Investigators have yet to locate the remains of this child, and relatives indicated they had not seen the baby since Dickens’ relocation.
The emotional toll of responding to this tragedy has left a lasting impact on law enforcement officials. Bizzell lamented, “This case has affected every deputy, every investigator, and every first responder who went to that house. It’s something you don’t ever forget.”
While details regarding the causes of death remain undisclosed, the state medical examiner’s office is conducting examinations on the recovered remains. Searches for the missing infant are set to continue as weather conditions improve.