NC Father Accused of Murdering Four Children

Wellington Delano Dickens III, 38, faces four counts of first-degree murder following his arrest in Zebulon, North Carolina, on October 28, 2025. Authorities allege that the bodies of four children, including three between the ages of 5 and 10 and an 18-year-old stepchild, were discovered in the trunk of his car. Police state the victims had been in the car for an extended period.

Dickens reportedly turned himself in and told investigators he had "over-punished" the children, though he denied torture. He claimed the first victim, a 5-year-old girl, died after discipline, and a 9-year-old girl died after he taped her mouth shut when she commented on the first death. He suggested the two boys, aged 10 and 18, died from malnutrition.

Investigators also found two cell phones, one reportedly containing messages between Dickens and individuals met via Grindr. A one-month-old baby, whose death Dickens confessed to, was found buried behind the house. His wife, Stephanie Jones, had reportedly died before these events.

A third, 3-year-old child was found unharmed inside the residence and has been placed in protective custody. Dickens is being held without bond.