Tragic Confession from North Carolina Father
A father in North Carolina has confessed to the killing of four children in his home near Zebulon, revealing to authorities that he also buried a fifth child in the backyard.
Wellington Delano Dickens III, age 38, is facing four charges of first-degree murder after law enforcement claims he admitted to taking the lives of the children over a span of several months. According to court documents, the Johnston County Sheriff’s Office received a call just after 10 p.m. on October 27, where Dickens confessed to a 911 operator that the bodies of the children were located in a car parked in the garage.
When deputies arrived, they found Dickens and his 3-year-old son, who was unharmed. A search of the garage led to the discovery of what was believed to be human remains in the trunk of the vehicle. Investigators indicated that these remains had likely been there for quite some time.
In a recording of the 911 call, Dickens identified himself and provided the address, stating he had killed the children. He reportedly expressed some regret during the call, saying, “I have a lot of explaining to do, but in short, it’s probably my fault.” It’s just… awful.
Johnston County Sheriff Steve Bizzell mentioned that investigators are looking into the timeline of the deaths, which they believe occurred between May and September of this year. Bizzell expressed disbelief, stating there’s really no justification for a father to commit such acts against his children.
The mother of the children, Stephanie Rae Jones Dickens, passed away in April 2024 due to complications after a miscarriage. Neighbors described the family as private, mentioning that the children were taught at home. It’s said that deputies had interactions with the family prior to Stephanie Dickens’ death, which was deemed natural since she declined medical attention.
Court records indicate Dickens also confessed to burying his fifth child behind the home due to the infant’s health issues, wrapping the child in plastic before laying them to rest. Investigators noted that this child had not been reported missing, and family members hadn’t seen the baby since Dickens relocated. As of now, the location of the infant’s remains remains unknown.
Authorities continue to examine the circumstances surrounding the children’s deaths, with the state medical examiner’s office working to determine the causes. As for the search for the fifth child’s body, it will resume once conditions allow.
This tragic incident has deeply affected all involved—first responders, deputies, investigators—leaving a mark that they won’t soon forget. It’s just, I don’t know, a heartbreaking situation that leaves so many questions unanswered.
