Zebulon, N.C. – A North Carolina man is facing serious charges after a tragic event in Johnston County. Wellington Delano Dickens III, 38, is accused of killing his children. He is currently held without bail.
Sheriff’s deputies responded to a 911 call on Monday evening. Dickens reportedly told the operator that he had killed his children. At the home near Zebulon, deputies found Dickens’ 3-year-old son alive. However, Dickens also told them that other children were dead in a vehicle trunk on the property.
Inside the trunk, deputies found what they described as multiple bodies. Authorities believe the remains had been there for a long time, possibly since May 1st.
Investigators believe Dickens killed three of his biological children, ages 6, 9, and 10, along with an 18-year-old stepchild.
Dickens appeared in court on Tuesday. He will be assigned an attorney.
According to court records, Dickens’ wife, Stephanie, passed away in April 2024. Records indicate five children lived at their home. Dickens’ father died a little over a year before Stephanie.
Neighbors expressed shock and sadness. One neighbor mentioned that the children hadn’t been seen playing outside for some time. While the neighborhood is relatively new, neighbors say it is typically tight-knit, with residents willing to help one another.
The incident has shaken the community of Zebulon. The town is known for its changing identity as it transitions from a tobacco market town into a suburb. This tragedy raises questions about family support systems and the importance of strong community bonds.
