ZEBULON, N.C. — During a Wednesday morning briefing, Sheriff Steve Bizzell asked the question everyone is wondering: “What would make a father want to kill their own kids?”

Investigators revealed new details in the case of a Johnston County father accused of killing his four children at different times between May and September. 38-year-old Wellington Delano Dickens III is facing four counts of murder.

Sheriff Bizzell said the 3-year-old child found alive in the home is now in the custody of the Department of Social Services and has been cleared as safe after a medical evaluation.

Investigators said 6-year-old Leah Dickens was killed in May 2025, while 9-year-old Zoe, 10-year-old Wellington Dickens IV, and 18-year-old stepchild Sean Brasfield were killed between August and September.

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