Wellington Dickens, a 38-year-old man from North Carolina, has been formal charges with four counts of first-degree murder after his alleged confession to killing four of his children and hiding their remains in a car trunk at his home in Zebulon. Authorities stated that Dickens called 911 to admit to the murders, claiming the deaths occurred over several months, starting in May and concluding in September. His wife, Stephanie Rae Jones Dickens, passed away in April 2024 due to complications from a miscarriage, and investigators believe the killings took place between May and September of the same year.
Deputies responded to Dickens’ home late on October 27, after he informed a 911 dispatcher that four of his children were deceased. During the call, Dickens reportedly stated, “It’s a lot to explain, but in a nutshell, it’s probably my fault. It’s bad. It started out as me over-disciplining – that’s it.” Investigators are still working to determine the exact causes of death for the children, as the remains are currently being examined by the state medical examiner’s office. The search for the fifth child remains ongoing, pending improved weather conditions.
Neighbors described the family as reclusive and noted that the children were homeschooled, rarely seen outside the home. The home had been visited previously when Stephanie Dickens passed away, but her death was determined to be from natural causes after she refused medical treatment. Sheriff Steve Bizzell emphasized the emotional impact of the case, stating, “This case has affected every deputy, every investigator and every first responder who went to that house. It’s something you don’t ever forget.” The case has sparked widespread concern and discussions about child safety, family violence, and the need for greater support systems for troubled families.
Authorities continue to gather information and have not yet released details about how the children died. Meanwhile, the search for the fifth child, an infant who was allegedly buried behind the house, is set to resume once weather conditions improve. The case remains a chilling example of the complexities of domestic violence, mental health, and the potential for severe consequences within families, highlighting the importance of early intervention and support for at-risk individuals.