The father charged in the deaths of four children has told investigators he buried a one-month-old infant he identified as his son, Riley, after the baby became ill and died soon after the family moved to Zebulon, N.C. The infant’s death was not reported and remains have not been located; the search continues and may be aided by improved weather. Dickens faces four counts of murder and is held without bond; authorities identified the other victims as Leah (6), Zoe (9), Wellington IV (10) and stepson Sean Brasfield (18). Investigators say some victims showed signs of malnutrition and the probe is ongoing.
North Carolina Father Charged in Four Child Killings Says He Buried a Fifth Infant; Search Underway
The father charged in the deaths of four children has told investigators he buried a one-month-old infant he identified as his son, Riley, after the baby became ill and died soon after the family moved to Zebulon, N.C. The infant’s death was not reported and remains have not been located; the search continues and may be aided by improved weather. Dickens faces four counts of murder and is held without bond; authorities identified the other victims as Leah (6), Zoe (9), Wellington IV (10) and stepson Sean Brasfield (18). Investigators say some victims showed signs of malnutrition and the probe is ongoing.
09:22 PM, 11/19/2025Society
Wellington Delano Dickens III, who is facing four counts of murder in Johnston County, North Carolina, has told investigators he buried a one-month-old infant he identified as his son, Riley, in nearby woods after the baby became ill and died.
According to an affidavit and law enforcement statements, Dickens said Riley fell sick shortly after the family moved to a home in Zebulon, east of Raleigh, and that he buried the infant near the residence. Family members told investigators they never saw or heard from the baby after the move, and the infant’s death was never reported to authorities. Officials have not located the child’s remains and say the search is ongoing.
Investigation timeline and victims
On Oct. 27, Dickens reportedly called 911 and told dispatchers he had killed four children. Deputies who responded found Dickens at the home and discovered a 3-year-old child alive inside the residence. Investigators later found what they believed to be human remains in the trunk of a vehicle in the garage.
- Identified victims: Leah Dickens, 6; Zoe Dickens, 9; Wellington Dickens IV, 10; and stepson Sean Brasfield, 18.
- Investigators say Wellington IV and Brasfield showed signs consistent with malnutrition.
- Authorities allege Leah died in May after an episode of discipline; Zoe is alleged to have died in August after her father taped her mouth during an exchange about her sister. Wellington IV’s death is placed in August or September; Sean Brasfield is believed to have died in September.
Johnston County Sheriff’s Office Chief Deputy Jeff Caldwell said investigators continue to search for Riley’s remains and that improving weather conditions should aid recovery efforts. "This investigation remains ongoing with additional details being released when available and appropriate to release," Caldwell said in a statement.
Dickens is being held without bond at the Johnston County Jail on four counts of murder. He has admitted to the existence and burial of the infant Riley but, as of the latest statements, has not been publicly charged in connection with that child.
The investigation remains active. Law enforcement officials have asked anyone with information to come forward as they continue efforts to locate remaining evidence and clarify the circumstances surrounding each death.