A quiet neighborhood in Zebulon, North Carolina, has been shaken to its core after deputies uncovered a chilling crime scene inside a family home. A Johnston County father, identified as Wellington Delano Dickens III, has been charged with multiple counts of murder following the discovery of four of his children’s bodies inside the trunk of his car.
According to the Johnston County Sheriff’s Office, the investigation began late Monday night, around 10:09 p.m., when Dickens himself made a disturbing 911 call confessing to killing his children. Deputies arrived at the home on Springtooth Drive, where they were met by Dickens, who directed them to the grim location of the bodies.
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Authorities said Dickens informed deputies that his 3-year-old son was still alive inside the home, but that four other children were dead in the trunk of a car parked in the garage. When officers opened the trunk, they discovered human remains that appeared to have been there for an extended period of time.
Investigators confirmed that the victims included three of Dickens’ biological children, aged 6, 9, and 10, and an 18-year-old stepchild. The surviving toddler was taken into protective custody and is reportedly unharmed.
Adding to the tragedy, online users uncovered what appears to be an eerie social media post made by Dickens about a year ago, raising questions about whether there were warning signs before the shocking crime.
Authorities are continuing to investigate the motive and timeline of the killings. The Johnston County Sheriff’s Office said additional details will be released as the case develops, calling the situation “one of the most heartbreaking and disturbing incidents” they have ever encountered.
Neighbors have expressed disbelief, describing Dickens as a “quiet man” who rarely caused trouble in the community. “We never could’ve imagined something like this happening here,” one resident said.
The investigation remains active as officials work to determine exactly when and how the children died — and what could have driven a father to commit such an unthinkable act.