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In a shocking case that has shaken the community of Zebulon, North Carolina, authorities say a father confessed to killing four of his children, whose bodies were later discovered inside the trunk of a vehicle parked in his garage. The suspect, identified as Wellington Delano Dickens III, 38, was arrested late Monday after he reportedly phoned 911 around 10:09 p.m., telling dispatchers he had killed his children. Deputies from the Johnston County Sheriff’s Office arrived at his residence on 101 Springtooth Drive and detained Dickens without incident. “When deputies arrived, Mr. Dickens told them his 3-year-old son was inside the house and alive, but that four other children were in the trunk of a car,” the Sheriff’s Office said in a statement. “Deputies located the 3-year-old unharmed and found what appeared to be human remains in the vehicle trunk.” The deceased children were aged 6, 9, 10, and 18 — three biological children and one stepchild, according to investigators. Grisly Discovery and Ongoing Investigation Authorities confirmed that the bodies appeared to have been there for an extended period, though the precise time of death has not yet been established. The North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation (SBI) and the State Medical Examiner’s Office are assisting with the forensic analysis and formal identification of the victims. “This is one of the most disturbing and heartbreaking cases we’ve ever dealt with,” a Johnston County Sheriff’s Office spokesperson told WRAL News. “We have a small child who survived and an unimaginable loss of four young lives.” Dickens has been charged initially with one count of murder, though the Sheriff’s Office confirmed that multiple additional counts are forthcoming as the investigation unfolds. He is being held without bond at the Johnston County Jail. Community Shock and National Attention The quiet neighbourhood in Zebulon, located about 30 miles southeast of Raleigh, has been described by residents as “peaceful and family-oriented.” Neighbours expressed disbelief that such a tragedy could occur in their midst. “I can’t imagine what could drive a father to do this,” said one resident, who declined to be named. “It’s haunting.” Authorities have not yet disclosed a possible motive. The State Medical Examiner is conducting autopsies to determine the causes and times of death. The Johnston County Sheriff’s Office said the surviving 3-year-old is now under protective custody, and social services are involved. “This investigation remains active and ongoing,” the department said. “Our hearts go out to these children and their loved ones.” Get Latest News Live on Times Now along with Breaking News and Top Headlines from US News and around the World.
