Wellington Dickens, a 38-year-old man from Zebulon, North Carolina, has been charged with first-degree murder for allegedly killing his four children and allegedly burying a fifth. According to court records, Dickens called 911 and confessed to the crime, describing the deaths as the result of over-disciplining. Authorities discovered the remains of four children in a car trunk at his home, with a fifth child’s remains allegedly buried behind the property. These revelations have left the community in shock and the local law enforcement force deeply affected by the tragic events.
During the 911 call, Dickens provided the location of his home and told the dispatcher that he had killed his children over several months, beginning in May and ending in September. The sheriff’s office confirmed that the children’s bodies were found in the garbage can of a vehicle parked in the garage, and the search for the fifth child’s remains has been delayed until weather conditions improve. Sheriff Steve Bizzell emphasized that the deaths were spread out over a period of months, and the cause of death for each child hasn’t been disclosed yet. The state medical examiner’s office is still conducting tests to determine the exact circumstances of the children’s deaths.
Neighbors described the family as reclusive, with the children being homeschooled and rarely seen outside the home. The mother, Stephanie Rae Jones Dickens, died in April 2024 from complications of a miscarriage, which was ruled as a natural cause. However, it has been revealed that the house had been visited previously when the mother died, but her death was not originally connected to the recent events. Relatives told investigators they hadn’t seen the infant since Dickens moved, and the child’s remains have not yet been located, according to NBC News.
Authorities continue to investigate the full extent of the crimes and seek further details, including the indictment and charging documents. The emotional toll of this case has been described as immeasurable by those who responded to the scene, as it has left an indelible mark on every first responder involved. The incident has been a painful reminder of the vulnerability of families and the gravity of such crimes. As the investigation progresses, the community will likely continue to grapple with the aftermath of this tragic event.