A North Carolina man has been arrested after allegedly calling 911 to confess that he murdered four of his children and hid their bodies in the trunk of his car, authorities confirmed Monday.
The Johnston County Sheriff’s Office identified the suspect as Wellington Delano Dickens III, 38, of Zebulon. Dickens has been charged with one count of murder, with additional charges expected as the investigation continues.
According to officials, Dickens told deputies that his 3-year-old son was still alive inside the home, but that his four other children—ages 6, 9, 10, and 18—were deceased and inside the trunk of a vehicle parked in the garage.
“Mr. Dickens stated to deputies his 3-year-old son was inside the house alive, and four of his other children were deceased inside the trunk of a vehicle in the garage,” the sheriff’s office said in a statement.
When deputies arrived, they discovered the young boy unharmed. The victims’ remains, believed to have been there for “an extended period of time,” were found during the search.
Authorities have not yet released how or when the children were killed, nor whether they had been reported missing.
A heavy police presence surrounded Dickens’ residence as investigators processed the scene late into the evening. Dickens was booked into the Johnston County Jail without bond and is scheduled to make his first court appearance on Tuesday afternoon.
The sheriff’s office said the investigation remains active, with assistance from state and federal agencies.
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