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Wellington Dickens III is charged with four counts of murder for three of his biological children and an 18-year-old stepchild. Johnston County deputies said they found human remains in the trunk of a car and a 3-year-old who was alive inside the house at the time they responded to the call. 

Four NC children found dead in trunk of car identified; father tells 911 he killed them

<p>FINANCING ON THE 2025 CAM. &gt;&gt; WE'RE FOLLOWING BREAKING NEWS HERE AT NOON. A ZEBULON MAN HAS BEEN ARRESTED AFTER 4 CHILDREN WERE FOUND DEAD INSIDE THE TRUNK OF A CAR INSIDE HIS GARAGE. THIS HAPPENED AT A HOME ON THE 100 BLOCK A SPRING. 2 THRIVES. IN WRAL'S HEIDI KIRK ROLLED UP THERE NOT TOO LONG AGO AT THAT SCENE, HEIDI, THAT THERE FOR A BIT KIND OF TAKE US A LOOK AT THE SCENE. EXPLAIN WHAT WE KNOW SO FAR FROM INVESTIGATORS. &gt;&gt; WELL, CHRIS, ABSOLUTELY WE ACTUALLY JUST ARRIVED HERE WITHIN THE LAST 10 MINUTES OR SO. IT IS A VERY ACTIVE SCENE OUT HERE. I'M GOING TO BE TAKING THIS IN ALONG WITH YOU IN THE STEP OF THE WAY AND HOW MY PHOTOGRAPHER SHOW YOU WHAT WE'RE SEEING OUT HERE. WE'VE GOT LOTS OF DIFFERENT AGENCIES HERE ON SCENE INVESTIGATING AS WE SPEAK, THAT INCLUDES THE STATE BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION. THE JOHNSTON COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE. WE HAVE DEPUTIES SURROUNDING THAT HOME AS WELL AS SOME CAUTION PEOPLE ON THE SCENE. NOW, LET ME BREAK DOWN WHAT WE KNOW NOW, ACCORDING TO THE JOHNSTON COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE, THAT 9-1-1 CALL CENTER RECEIVED A CALL FROM 38 YEAR-OLD WELLINGTON DICKENS WHO TOLD 9-1-1 OPERATORS IF HE KILLED HIS CHILDREN. NOW, WHEN DEPUTIES ARRIVED OUT HERE, THEY FOUND A 3 YEAR-OLD ALIVE INSIDE OF THE HOME IN THE HUMAN REMAINS IN THE TRUNK OF THE CAR. JUST AWFUL. THE ESTABLISHED THAT DICKENS HAD KILLED HIS 3 BIOLOGICAL CHILDREN. THEY WERE 6, 9, AND 10 YEARS OLD. AND THEN AN 18 YEAR-OLD STEPCHILD NOW BELIEVE THE BODIES WERE INSIDE THE CAR FOR A LONG TIME. NOW, AT THIS POINT, DICKENS HAS BEEN CHARGED WITH ONE COUNT OF MURDER, BUT MORE CHARGES ARE EXPECTED AND HE IS BEING HELD WITHOUT BOND IN THE JOHNSTON COUNTY JAIL. NOW BACK OUT HERE LIVE, YOU'LL SEE LOTS OF DIFFERENT THINGS GOING ON AT THIS POINT. AGAIN, WE JUST ARRIVED HERE ON SCENE. I'M GOING TO BE CHECKING IN WITH NEIGHBORS JUST WITHIN THE NEXT FEW MINUTES AND SEE IF ANYONE KNOWS ANYTHING. BUT AGAIN, JUST AN AWFUL STORY THAT WE'RE GOING TO BE FOLLOWING</p>

Johnston County murder scene

Four children found dead in trunk of car in Johnston County neighborhood

Wellington Dickens III appeared in court on Tuesday afternoon.

Category 5 Hurricane Melissa brings flooding and catastrophic winds to Jamaica

Hurricane Melissa makes landfall in Jamaica

'Dangerous' social media posts spark concern in Durham ahead of Election Day

Wanted poster 

NC father charged with murder of 4 children had prior accusation of neglect or abuse of child

Wellington Delano Dickens III is charged with murder.

Halifax couple honeymooning in Jamaica ask for prayers as Hurricane Melissa makes landfall

NC couple in Jamaica during Hurricane Melissa

WRAL Weather Alert Day: More rain, gusty wind and chill makes for a messy Tuesday

Tuesday's Weather Alert Day impacts

Wake school board updating cellphone, devices policy in light of confusion, state law

North Carolina school districts work to adjust cellphone rules and statewide ban

WRAL News+

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Live look: Hurricane Melissa hits Montego Bay, Jamaica

A live look at Montego Bay as Hurricane Melissa brings damaging winds, catastrophic flooding and life-threatening storm surge to Jamaica. 

Five homes collapsed in Buxton on Tuesday, according to a person close to the situation.

Five oceanfront homes collapse in Buxton

Homes collapse at Outer Banks

The USDA told states last week that it wouldn't be using roughly $6 billion in federal contingency funds to keep the SNAP program running for November.

AG Jackson announces lawsuit over potential cuts to SNAP benefits

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The suspect in a double murder in Hoke County was found dead in Columbus County Monday night, authorities said.


Authorities track murder suspect from Hoke County to Lake Waccamaw suicide

Police lights

GOP lawmakers are violating the First Amendment rights of eastern North Carolina voters, a new lawsuit claims, by eliminating the state's only competitive congressional district. Voters in that district supported Republican President Donald Trump in 2024 but also Democratic U.S. Rep. Don Davis.

Another lawsuit challenges NC redistricting, this time using new legal theory of 'retaliation'

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DEIR AL-BALAH, Gaza Strip (AP) â The Israeli army launched a barrage of attacks in Gaza on Tuesday as tensions with Hamas grew two weeks into a fragile ceasefire, and the militant group responded by saying it would delay handing over the body of a hostage. At least seven Palestinians were killed, health officials said.

Gaza ceasefire tested as Israel and Hamas exchange fire and blame

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Amazon will cut about 14,000 corporate jobs as the online retail giant ramps up spending on artificial intelligence while cutting costs elsewhere.

Amazon cuts 14,000 corporate jobs as spending on artificial intelligence accelerates

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Wake County EMS is set to transform its emergency response by reducing the use of sirens and lights for most 911 calls, prioritizing safety and reducing accidents. The change aims to curb confusion on roads and improve safety.

Change coming to Wake County EMS: Ambulances to silence sirens, turn off lights for most 911 calls

Wake EMS

Federal funds could begin running dry Saturday that help tens of millions of Americans to buy food for their families and send their toddlers to preschool if Congress doesnât reach a deal by then to end the U.S. government shutdown.

Federal food benefits and preschool aid to run dry starting Saturday if shutdown continues

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Michael Rhodes, an off-duty Raleigh firefighter, is out of the hospital after he was hit by a car last week while trimming trees on Skycrest Drive. Despite suffering severe injuries, Rhodes urges drivers to prioritize safety for road workers.

Raleigh firefighter speaks out after being injured in a hit and run accident

Michael Rhodes

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Before you grab that last-minute costume at a Halloween pop-up shop this year, the Better Business Bureau has three tips to help you save money.


Three tips for shopping at Halloween pop-up shops

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Prepare for a spooktacular Halloween with favorable weather ahead. A front will bring rain midweek, but clears out just in time for the thrilling spooky night. 

Chilly temps and mostly clear skies provide a perfect trick-or-treat night

Halloween forecast as of Sunday, 10/26/2025

Melissa is just the ninth Category 5 hurricane to happen in the Atlantic in October (or later). 

Ask the Meteorologist: How rare is a Category 5 hurricane this late in the year?

IR satellite imagery of Hurricane Melissa at 5 a.m. Tuesday, 10/28/2025

As Halloween approaches, the Better Business Bureau and other experts warn that scammers are ramping up efforts.


The real Halloween scare: Halloween and digital scams to know about this holiday season

A file photo of someone counting money.

The Blue Ridge Parkway is a scenic route that runs 469 miles through 29 Virginia and North Carolina counties. 

Blue Ridge Parkway: How to visit and what you can do

Blue Ridge Parkway - Places to Visit in North Carolina. Photo:Big Stock

When do trick-or-treaters hit the streets this Halloween? We have the answer for nearly three dozen communities in the region.

When is trick-or-treat this year? Friday, Oct. 31

Celebrating Halloween safely

Don't Miss It

The High Point Furniture Market is taking place this week in High Point, and Eric Medlin of Raleigh is fascinated by it. Medlin is an author whose book, "Sawdust in Your Pockets," details the highs and lows of the state's lengthy furniture history. 

Tar Heel Traveler: High Point Furniture Market

Pet of the Day for Oct. 28, 2025

Downtown Raleigh sees increase in visitors, residents

Downtown Raleigh

Are Category 5 hurricanes rare this late in the season? 

'What does it mean?' Breaking down Gen Alpha lingo

MI: LEARNING GEN ALPHA LINGO

Take a look inside the eye of Hurricane Melissa

INSIDE EYE OF HURRICANE MELISSA (MORE)

Video Central

WRAL 6am News | October 28

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WRAL 9am News | October 28

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WRAL Noon News | October 28

12pm Newscast Static

WRAL 4pm News | October 28

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WRAL 6pm News | October 28

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WRAL 10pm News | October 27

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Report: More people moving to downtown Raleigh

Local News

I-95 southbound lanes reopened in Johnston County after tractor-trailer crash

Durham caregiver charged with exploiting elderly, accused of financial theft from client's account

One dead after crash on NC-50 in Johnston County Monday night

Raleigh social services group to furlough 250 in NC due to federal shutdown

US launches strikes on 4 alleged drug-running boats in the eastern Pacific, killing 14

Nation/World

Texas attorney general sues Tylenol makers, claiming links to autism

Isolated flight delays may spread as air traffic controllers go without pay during shutdown

PayPal and UPS help lead US stocks to more records

Trump bonds with Japan's new prime minister and says her nation is delivering on US investments

100+ events in NC to enjoy this November

November events list graphic (Canva)

Weekend best bets: Halloween fun, Whirligig Festival

Creator of Wilson's whirligigs releases new book 

Out & About

Fact check: Democrats claim Leavitt said White House ballroom is Trump's 'main priority'

Politifact

Fact check: Trump says 50% of US presidents have invoked the Insurrection Act

Fact check: How many US residency spots are held by immigrants with H-1B visas?

Fact check: Trump says small children get 80 different vaccines

How they voted: NC congressional votes for the week ending Oct. 23

NC Capitol

Lawsuit targets new NC congressional map. More challenges could be on the way

Legal challenges expected after new congressional maps approved

Legal challenges against new NC congressional map in the works as Davis considers next move

Stein signs stopgap funding bill aiding law enforcement and businesses impacted by disasters

Fire-damaged school turns a Sears into classrooms

Education

Caught on camera: Smoke engulfs Wayne County school bus, cause likely mechanical

Witness: Bus driver's 'awesome job' saved 21 kids when bus caught fire

Teacher of the Week: Chip Shea

More oversight, more resources: Wake schools sets plan for compliance with federal special education laws

Johnston Regional Airport hopes to pioneer FAA's next-gen digital air traffic control

WRAL In Depth

Bipartisan effort underway in NC to give you rights over what data companies collect and share about you

More layoffs proposed at the U.S. Department of Education. How could they affect NC schools?

Moms who overcame addiction helping others through growing statewide network

Man says he lost $200K to executives at center of WRAL investigation

NBA on NBC is loaded with star-studded matchups

WRALSportsFan

UNC Head Coach Bill Belichick addresses the media before the team's Halloween matchup with Syracuse

NC State's Dave Doeren vows to 'fight' for players, program amid losing streak

Dodgers produce 18-inning World Series sequel, `The Late, Late Sho'

The Soccer Tournament will bring international all-stars to Cary through 2029

Scores from Tuesday's NCHSAA Volleyball Regional Finals

HighSchoolOT

Live 2025 NCHSAA volleyball state playoff brackets

Playoff Projections: The status of the 8A East-West line and why it could change

Football playoff projections for the 2025 postseason

Pinecrest dominates 8A individual girls golf championships for fourth straight NCHSAA title

Monday is National American Beer Day, and one local couple is celebrating the day through their own business. WRAL's Tar Heel Traveler captures the unique way they got started and their passion for brewing.

Tar Heel Traveler: Deep River Brewing 

While the Federal Aviation Administration is facing an air traffic controller shortage, it's testing a modern alternative to the traditional air traffic control system called a remote tower. The head of Johnston Regional Airport wants to be "first in flight" once this digital remote tower takes off.

Remote control: Solution for safer skies?

As Halloween approaches, the Better Business Bureau and other experts warn that scammers are ramping up efforts.

How to protect yourself from Halloween scams

Video shared with WRAL News shows the moment a lithium-ion battery caught fire inside a home, feet away from a dog. WRAL anchor/reporter Dan Haggerty answered viewer questions about the batteries and their potential dangers.

In Depth with Dan: Answering viewer questions about lithium-ion batteries after Chapel Hill house fire

Dog bites lithium-ion battery, sparks fire inside Chapel Hill home

WRAL Investigates on similar parties in Orange and Person counties, which resulted in charges related to underage drinking for partygoers and a property owner. The venues are different, but the concerns are the same.

WRAL Investigates the push for solutions to farm parties

WRAL Specialists

Free breakfast for first responders: Wear uniform or bring ID to McDonald's Tuesday

Travel experts: Book your holiday flights this week for the best deals

Restaurant Ratings: Hibachi Grill Supreme Buffet, Drum & Quill and Jordana's Pizzeria

Inflation reports offers good news, bad news. Here's where you can save.

5 On Your Side

NC lawmakers push to make companies tell you what they're doing with your data

Man's complaints about Durham road haven't led to action at city level

'It's a racetrack': Dangerous Durham road bothered man for years before deadly hit-and-run

Deadly hit-and-run suspect was in country illegally, ICE says

Investigations

Guest column: Dysfunctional government stalls innovation

Grace Ueng: The leadership metronome

Qualcomm Unveils New Line of Chips to Join the AI Boom

Software merger makes it easier to make beer in NC

WRAL TechWire

Elon Musk launches Grokipedia to compete with online encyclopedia Wikipedia

UPS cuts 48,000 jobs in the year to date as its turnaround continues

OpenAI may move forward with new business structure, partnership with Microsoft, regulators say

Private donors gave more than $125M to keep foreign aid programs going after US cuts

Business

Powerball

Mega Millions

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Keeping kids visible and pets from escaping on Halloween

Family

Halloween 2025 restaurant freebies & deals 

Explore the Triangle's spooktacular displays: From singing skeletons to haunted houses

By the Numbers: Why trick-or-treaters may bag more gummy candy than chocolate this Halloween

Eastern NC communities worried about rise in violence if SNAP benefits don't come in

Top Amazon Deals: Crayola LED Kids Drawing Light Board only $14.92 (57% off), Hanes Men's Sweatpants only $9.00 (57% off), Roadbox Men's UPF 50+ Shirt only $8.49 (72% off), Remote Control Race Stunt Car only $13.49 (50% off)

SmartShopper

Walmart Black Friday Events announced: First one starts Nov. 14

Sam's Club 12-Month Membership only $15 (70% off)

List of top grocery deals valid October 22-28

Target Deals: 50% off Champion women's clothing, Up to 30% off kids' clothing 

Tar Heel Traveler: State Fair Sheep Show

Tar Heel Traveler: Sounds of the North Carolina State Fair

Tar Heel Traveler: State Fair Art Show

Tar Heel Traveler: Bartholomews

Tar Heel Traveler: State Fair Tin Type Photography

Tar Heel Traveler

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