Authorities in Johnston County, North Carolina, say a 38-year-old man has been charged with four counts of murder after allegedly calling 911 and confessing to killing four of his children over a span of months. Court records obtained by USA TODAY confirm that Wellington Delano Dickens III was charged on October 28 and is currently being held without bond.
According to the Johnston County Sheriff’s Office, Dickens called dispatchers on the night of October 27 and admitted to the killings. Deputies responded to a residence in rural Zebulon, North Carolina, where they located Dickens and began a search of the property.
In a statement, the sheriff’s office said Dickens told deputies that his 3-year-old son was inside the home and that the bodies of four other children were in the trunk of a vehicle in his garage. Deputies found the 3-year-old alive and unharmed inside the residence.
Investigators identified the victims as three of Dickens’ biological children — ages 6, 9, and 10 — and his 18-year-old stepchild. Authorities later released the names of the victims as Leah Dickens, 6; Zoe Dickens, 9; Wellington Dickens, 10; and 18-year-old Sean Brasfield.
Johnston County Sheriff Steve Bizzell told reporters during an October 29 press conference that while arrest warrants initially listed May 1 as the date of the killings, investigators now believe the children were killed in separate incidents across several months.
Captain Don Pate of the sheriff’s office said responding deputies encountered a strong odor “obvious of decay” when they arrived and noted the home was not well-kept. He added there were signs that someone had attempted to clean parts of the scene.
What Authorities Say Happened
Bizzell described the 911 call and Dickens’ demeanor as cooperative when deputies arrived. The sheriff said the caller “pretty much called and said, ‘I’m here with my little 3-year-old son. I killed my four children. Their bodies were in the trunk of the car. I’ll be glad to go outside and wait for deputies. I’m not armed. I’m just ready to do what’s right.'”
At the press conference, Bizzell emphasized that investigators have not established a motive. “But as the sheriff, as a father and as a grandfather, I can stand here and say there’s no reason for a father to murder his children,” he said.
Authorities stressed that the investigation remains active and ongoing. Bizzell noted it is possible Dickens could face additional charges as detectives process evidence and finalize their timeline.
Timeline Of The Alleged Killings
After obtaining a search warrant and conducting further interviews, investigators developed a working timeline suggesting the children were killed in separate incidents during 2025. According to Bizzell, authorities believe the youngest victim, 6-year-old Leah Dickens, was killed in May 2025.
Detectives now believe 9-year-old Zoe Dickens died in August 2025, followed by 10-year-old Wellington Dickens in late August or early September 2025. The 18-year-old, identified as stepchild Sean Brasfield, is believed to have been killed in September.
While the original arrest documents cited May 1 for all four deaths, Bizzell said new findings shifted that understanding, with investigators pointing to multiple incidents rather than a single event. The sheriff did not provide additional specifics about evidence supporting the revised timeline, citing the ongoing nature of the case.
Authorities said the surviving 3-year-old was found unharmed at the home on October 27 and was removed from the residence by deputies. Officials did not provide details about the child’s current placement or condition beyond confirming that the child was safe.
Court Appearances And What Comes Next
According to USA TODAY, Dickens made initial court appearances on October 28 and October 29. His next court date is scheduled for November 13. He is being held without bond.
Bizzell reiterated that the sheriff’s office is working closely with the district attorney as investigators gather and analyze evidence. Depending on the findings, prosecutors could pursue further charges. No timetable was announced for when additional updates might be released.
Officials have not disclosed whether forensic examinations or autopsies have been completed. No further details regarding potential weapons, cause of death, or additional evidence were shared at the time of the press conference.
Law enforcement urged patience as they continue to build their case. In the meantime, the sheriff’s office asked the public to refrain from spreading rumors and to rely on official updates from authorities as more information becomes available.
As the investigation progresses, the key facts remain unchanged: Dickens is charged with four counts of murder following an alleged confession to 911; a surviving 3-year-old was found unharmed; and investigators believe the deaths occurred across multiple months in 2025. Any potential motive remains unconfirmed, and officials say more details will be provided when appropriate.
Anyone with relevant information is encouraged to contact the Johnston County Sheriff’s Office as the case continues to develop.
