ZEBULON, N.C. — A man has been indicted in Johnston County for the alleged murder of his four children, following a shocking 911 call in which he confessed to the crime. Wellington Dickens III, 38, made the call on October 27, revealing the tragic circumstances surrounding his children’s deaths.
During the nearly seven-minute conversation, Dickens indicated to police that his 3-year-old son was alive at the home while informing them that the bodies of his other children were located in the trunk of a car inside the garage. Law enforcement quickly dispatched deputies to the residence on Springtooth Drive, whereupon they discovered multiple remains within the trunk.
Authorities have confirmed that the remains had already been at the residence for an extensive duration prior to their discovery. A press conference held afterward revealed further details of the grim situation, as Johnston County Sheriff Steve Bizzell outlined a timeline of events regarding when the children were killed, stating that the acts spanned over several months.
On November 3, a grand jury formally charged Dickens with first-degree murder and other serious offenses. Court documents specified that he acted with malice aforethought in the alleged murders of his children. Each child is named in separate indictments that cite similar charges against their father.
The investigation indicates that the children were killed at different times from May through September of this year. Among those named were Leah Dickens, 6, who was reportedly killed in May; Zoe Dickens, 9, who died in August; and Wellington Dickens, 10, whose time of death is noted as either late August or early September.
As this case unfolds, the community grapples with the disturbing nature of the allegations. Residents have expressed shock and disbelief, highlighting the profound impact this tragedy has left on their neighborhood. The incident has ignited discussions about child welfare and the responsible reporting of family crises, emphasizing the need for prompt intervention in similar situations.
The Johnson County Sheriff’s Office continues to investigate the broader circumstances that led to this tragic event, seeking to understand the factors that contributed to the alleged crime.