North Carolina Father Confesses to Killing Four Children, Hiding Bodies in Car Trunk While Leaving Youngest Alive
ZEBULON, NORTH CAROLINA — A horrifying crime has shaken a North Carolina community after a 38-year-old father allegedly confessed to murdering four of his children and leaving their bodies stuffed inside the trunk of his car. Authorities say the man spared his 3-year-old son, who was found alive inside the home.
According to the Johnston County Sheriff’s Office, Wellington Delano Dickens III called 911 around 10 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 27, telling dispatchers, “I killed my children.” Deputies rushed to his home on Springtooth Drive in Zebulon, located about 175 miles east of Charlotte.
When officers arrived, Dickens met them at the scene and pointed them toward the house. Inside, they found his 3-year-old son alive and unharmed — but what they discovered next was far more disturbing.
“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,” the sheriff’s office said in a statement.
Four Victims Found Inside Vehicle Trunk
Investigators said the bodies of four children were located in the trunk of a vehicle parked in the garage. Based on preliminary findings, the remains appeared to have been there “for a long period of time.”
Officials believe the victims included three biological children — ages 6, 9, and 10 — and one 18-year-old stepchild.
The State Medical Examiner’s Office and agents from the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation were called to assist in collecting evidence and confirming the victims’ identities.
No information has yet been released regarding the cause or manner of death, though police noted that the bodies were in advanced stages of decomposition.
Suspect Arrested, Motive Still Unknown
Following his confession, Dickens was arrested and charged with one count of murder in the death of a juvenile. Authorities said more charges are expected as the investigation continues.
Police did not immediately release a possible motive, nor explain why the father allegedly left his youngest child alive while killing the others.
“Due to the apparent time since death, positive identification of the bodies will take time,” said Johnston County Sheriff Steve Bizzell. “This is one of the most heartbreaking and disturbing cases we’ve ever seen.”
Dickens is currently being held without bond in the Johnston County Jail and was expected to make his first court appearance Tuesday afternoon.
Community in Shock After Grisly Discovery
Neighbors told local reporters they were stunned by the revelation. Some said they occasionally saw Dickens playing outside with his children but never suspected anything was wrong.
“It’s just sickening,” one resident said. “You hear about these things on the news, not in your own neighborhood.”
Authorities have asked anyone with relevant information to contact the Johnston County Sheriff’s Office as the investigation unfolds.
How can communities identify early signs of family violence before it turns tragic? Share your thoughts and follow more updates at ChicagoMusicGuide.com.