by ZEBULON, NC — A horrifying tragedy has shaken a North Carolina community after a man reportedly confessed to killing his four children and hiding their bodies inside the trunk of a car parked in his garage.
Authorities say Wellington Dickens III, 38, called 911 on Tuesday and told dispatchers that he had killed his children. When deputies arrived at his home in Zebulon, located east of Raleigh, they made a gruesome discovery — the bodies of three biological children and one stepchild inside the trunk of a vehicle in the garage.
Gruesome Discovery After 911 Confession
According to the Johnston County Sheriff’s Office, deputies found the remains of Leah Dickens, 6; Zoe Dickens, 9; Wellington Dickens, 10; and Sean Brasfield, 18. Authorities said the bodies appeared to have been there “for a long period of time.”
Shockingly, a 3-year-old boy, Dickens’ youngest son, was found alive and unharmed inside the home. He has since been taken into protective custody while social services and family members determine his care arrangements.
Officials have not released details about how the children were killed or a possible motive behind the tragedy. Investigators are still processing the evidence collected from the home.
Murder Charges Filed
Dickens made his first court appearance Tuesday, where he was formally charged with one count of murder in the death of one of his children. Authorities say additional charges will follow as investigators continue to collect evidence related to the other victims.
He is currently being held without bond at the Johnston County Jail. The Johnston County Public Defender’s Office has been appointed to represent him but has not yet issued a statement or responded to requests for comment.
Court documents filed Tuesday indicate the date of the alleged offense as May 1, suggesting the killings may have taken place several months before authorities were alerted.
Investigators Search for Answers
Sheriff’s officials have described the case as one of the most disturbing in recent memory. Detectives are working with the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation (SBI) and forensic experts to determine the timeline and circumstances of the children’s deaths.
“It’s hard to put into words the horror our deputies encountered,” one law enforcement official said. “We are committed to finding justice for these children and ensuring the surviving child receives the care he needs.”
Neighbors told local media that they rarely saw the children outside and were unaware of any ongoing family troubles. Some said the family had moved into the neighborhood only a few years ago.
Community in Mourning
The small community of Zebulon has been left in disbelief. Parents gathered outside local schools to hug their children tighter after learning about the tragedy. Local churches and nonprofits have begun organizing vigils and counseling sessions for residents affected by the news.
Officials from the Johnston County School District released a brief statement expressing condolences to the victims’ relatives and classmates.
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“We are deeply saddened by this unspeakable tragedy and stand ready to support any students and staff affected,” the statement read.
Ongoing Investigation
As of Wednesday, detectives continued to search the Dickens property for additional evidence. Autopsies are being performed at the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner in Raleigh to determine the cause and time of death for each victim.
Authorities are urging anyone with information about the family or recent activity at the residence to come forward as the investigation continues.
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