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The Johnston County Sheriff's Office released Wellington Dickens III's call to 911. Dickens, who is charged with killing three of his children and a stepson, told a 911 dispatcher he killed his four children.

'It's my fault': Zebulon dad says he killed his 4 children in newly released 911 call

<p>DAMAGE IN JAMAICA, CUBA AND HAITI. &gt;&gt; BREAKING AND NEW AT NOON, THE 4 CHILDREN DISCOVERED IN THE TRUNK OF A CAR IN JOHNSTON COUNTY HAD BEEN MURDERED AT DIFFERENT TIMES. THAT'S ACCORDING TO THE SHERIFF'S OFFICE WHICH GAVE AN UPDATE ON THE DISTURBING CASE THIS MORNING. HELLO, EVERYONE. THANKS FOR JOINING US. I'M RENEE CHOU. I'M CHRIS LOVINGOOD. &gt;&gt; WE APPRECIATE YOU JOINING US ON THIS DAY ON MONDAY, THEIR OWN FATHER, WELLINGTON DICKENS CALLED 9-1-1, ACCORDING TO INVESTIGATORS AND ADMITTED TO KILLING THEM. LET'S BRING IN CARLY HAYNES. SHE IS RIGHT THERE. SHE WENT TO THE NEWS CONFERENCE HERE TODAY AND CARLY. WELL, DEPUTIES, THEY ALSO EXPLAIN WHAT THEY SAW IN THE HOME ONCE THEY ARRIVED. &gt;&gt; WELL, TODAY DEPUTIES SAID THAT THE HOMES CONDITIONS WERE AN IMAGINABLE. THEY SAID THAT THERE WAS AN ODOR OF DECAY WHEN THEY HAD WALKED IN. AND THEY ALSO SAID THERE WAS EVIDENCE OF CRIMINAL ACTIVITY INSIDE THE HOME AS OPPOSED TO BUY THE CAR WHERE THOSE CHILDREN WERE DISCOVERED. I WANT TO SHOW YOU THE HOME WHERE WELLINGTON DICKENS, THE 3RD AND THOSE CHILDREN LIVED. THE SHERIFF'S OFFICE SAID THE CHILDREN WERE SECLUDED. THEY SAY THE 6 YEAR-OLD CHILD WAS KILLED. FIRST IN MAY, THE 9 YEAR-OLD WAS KILLED IN AUGUST. THE 10 YEAR-OLD AROUND AUGUST OR EARLY SEPTEMBER AND DICKENS, 18 YEAR-OLD STEPSON WAS KILLED LAST MONTH. DEPUTIES DID NOT TELL US HOW THEY DIED. THEY SAID THE MEDICAL EXAMINER WELL DETERMINE THAT. &gt;&gt; THERE'S NO MOTIVE AT THIS 0, 5, MOVED TO BECOME MURDERED. THESE CHILDREN. BUT AT THE SHERIFF'S AS A FATHER AND AS A GRANDFATHER. I CAN STAND HERE AND SAY THERE'S NO REASON FOR FATHER TO MURDER HIS CHILDREN. &gt;&gt; NOW, DEPUTIES SAID FAMILY MEMBERS HAD CALLED TO CHECK ON THE CHILDREN IN THE PAST. BUT THOSE CALLS WENT UNRETURNED. IT'S SOMETHING THAT THE DISTRICT ATTORNEY WILL LOOK INTO FURTHER AS A POSSIBLE LEAD HERE. AND THOSE SURVIVING 3 YEAR-OLD CHILD HAD A MEDICAL EVALUATION AND IS AN INJURED. SO DSS WILL TAKE IT FROM HERE. AFTERWARDS, WE ASKED THE DISTRICT ATTORNEY WHETHER HE INTENDS TO SEEK THE DEATH PENALTY. HE SAID NO DECISION HAS BEEN MADE AT THIS POINT. HE WANTS TO GET THROUGH THAT FIRST COURT APPEARANCE FIRST, WHICH IS SCHEDULED FOR 2 O'CLOCK THIS AFTERNOON FOR THE CANES. WRAL NEWS LIVE IN JOHNSON COUNTY. &gt;&gt; JUST HEARTBREAKING. MORE</p>

Wellington Dickens in court

Zebulon man killed 4 children over course of months, Johnston County sheriff says

It's official: Nearly 1 million North Carolinians will pay more for Obamacare in 2026

Obamacare Prices Become Public, Highlighting Big Increases

Unseasonably cool, drizzly weather comes ahead of next weather-maker Wednesday night

Next weather-maker to pass through North Carolina Wednesday night

Can private schools expel children for their parents' behavior? NC Supreme Court hears arguments

Teacher in classroom

NC DMV wait times have plummeted, officials say ahead of lawmaker grilling

People line up at the North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles office.

Save on auto repair costs: Tips for maintenance and finding trusted mechanics

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Halifax County couple OK after riding out Hurricane Melissa in Jamaica

Wayne and Bridgette Todd

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As State Health Plan premiums rise, North Carolina teachers face steep cost increases, with some seeing their premiums nearly triple. Confusion over salary calculations adds to the chaos, as the deadline for open enrollment looms without extension.


NC teachers deal with insurance sticker shock, confusion during open enrollment

Desks in a classroom

Delesha Carpenter's personal tragedy has fueled her mission to combat opioid overdoses through increased naloxone access. Her new website with UNC maps naloxone availability across NC's 100 counties.


"Every life is worth saving": How a UNC researcher's website is connecting communities to naloxone

âEvery life is worth savingâ: How a UNC researcherâs website is connecting communities to naloxone

Durham Mayor Leonardo Williams reflects on the profound impact of Southern High's late band director, likening the loss to losing a parent.


'Almost like losing a parent:' Durham mayor remembers Southern High band director who recently died

Harry Stokes

Five homes collapsed in Buxton as powerful surf chews away the shoreline. The debris now stretches for miles, and so do the questions -- who pays to clean it up, and how long can North Carolina's disappearing coast afford to wait for answers?

Five homes lost in a day highlight the growing cost of inaction on NC erosion

House collapses in Buxton

SANTIAGO DE CUBA, Cuba (AP) â Hurricane Melissa left at least dozens dead amid widespread destruction across Cuba, Haiti and Jamaica, where roofless homes, toppled utility poles and water-logged furniture dominated the landscape Wednesday.

Hurricane Melissa leaves dozens dead in trail of destruction across Cuba, Haiti and Jamaica

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Another set of employees is suing CJF America, seeking unpaid wages and describing an understaffed, disorganized summer camp environment.


New lawsuit filed against Durham company accused of not paying employees

A lawsuit filed by seven former employees against CJF America remains unserved, while the company's president recently missed a court appearance. Meanwhile, law enforcement agencies are continuing to investigate the Durham-based company.

North Carolina's foster care community was shaken by the deaths of a couple providing care to a juvenile in Hoke County Monday.


Hoke sheriff: Foster couple stabbed to death, teen shot himself

Hoke County murder scene

WASHINGTON (AP) â The Federal Reserve cut its key interest rate Wednesday for a second time this year as it seeks to shore up economic growth and hiring, even as inflation stays elevated.

Federal Reserve cuts key rate yet Powell says future reductions are not locked in

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The Johnston County Board of Education approved plans for a new, modern Clayton High School serving 2,000 students. Proposed construction on phase one of the project could begin in December.

Johnston County leaders approve plans for Clayton High School renovation

Johnston County leaderes approve plans for Clayton High School renovation

PARIS (AP) â Two suspects in the Louvre jewel heist have admitted their involvement and are believed to be the men who forced their way into the worldâs most visited museum, a Paris prosecutor said Wednesday.

Paris prosecutor says 2 suspects in the Louvre jewel heist admit their involvement

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Police said a father called 911 to confess he'd killed his children. As a new dad, I'm shaken.


Lovingood: Being a parent also means feeling pain for someone else's kids during tragic stories

Parent and child holding hands with hearts

Time to fall back! Daylight Saving Time ends 2 a.m. on Sunday, Nov. 2.


Turn your clocks back this weekend: Daylight Saving Time ends Nov. 2

Miniature alarm clock

The wind speed along the Sanford Simpson scale dictates the category of a storm, and we can predict what kind of damage will be done based on how strong the winds will be. 

How much damage wind can do depending on hurricane's category

Wind damage

Hurricane Melissa makes landfall on Tuesday as the deadliest Category 5 storm to slam Jamaica.

Photos: Hurricane Melissa blows through Jamaica with catastrophic winds, flooding, storm surge

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The record for longest consecutive hours at Category 5 was set by a hurricane in the 1930s.

Ask the Meteorologist: How did Melissa stay Category 5 for so long?

Melissa was tied as the strongest landfalling hurricane on record in the Atlantic

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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Don't Miss It

The Winter Olympics start on Feb. 6, 2026.

100 days to the Milan-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics

Pet of the Day for Oct. 29, 2025

911 call: Johnston County dad tells dispatcher he killed his 4 kids

The Johnston County Sheriff's Office released Wellington Dickens III's call to 911. Dickens told a 911 dispatcher he killed his four children.

Officers flip car to rescue Fort Worth baby

Teacher of the Week: Emily Swanson

Some buildings in Jamaica are intact so far. There's a reason why

Live picture from Montego Bay showing structures post-Hurricane Melissa landfall

Video Central

WRAL 6am News | October 29

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WRAL Noon News | October 28

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Inmate found dead at Wake County Detention Center

Local News

Samaritan's Purse has relief, aid on standby for Jamaica

Two arrested in connection with Rocky Mount dealership break-in and multi-county car thefts

Rock Quarry Road closure rescheduled until November for Complete 540 project

Belichick: UNC football GM Lombardi's work to improve program is 'monumental'

How climate change is changing the way athletes train ahead of the Winter Olympics

Nation/World

Trump says 'it's too bad' he can't run for a third term

Elon Musk launches Grokipedia to compete with online encyclopedia Wikipedia

Deadly floods batter central Vietnam, killing at least 10

Trump scores golden gifts as United States and Seoul advance trade talks

It is a busy weekend in the Triangle with lots of Halloween and fall events including the NC Whirligig Festival.

Weekend best bets: Halloween fun, Whirligig Festival

Creator of Wilson's whirligigs releases new book 

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

Celebrating Halloween safely

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

Halloween forecast as of Sunday, 10/26/2025

Three tips for shopping at Halloween pop-up shops

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100+ events in NC to enjoy this November

November events list graphic (Canva)

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

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

Out & About

Fact check: Does a new Canadian ad 'misrepresent' Reagan's remarks on US tariffs?

Politifact

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

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?

Committee says NC DMV staff additions haven't kept up with growth over time

NC Capitol

NC attorney general sues USDA over food stamp funding

NC attorney general sues USDA after pausing SNAP benefits

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

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

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

Education

Fire-damaged school turns a Sears into classrooms

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

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

Privatize NC's liquor sales? Leader of DOGE-style group wants to explore the cost

Hurricanes get Gostisbehere back against Vegas, then lose him early again to extend injury woes

WRALSportsFan

Take it from the top: Toronto's Trey Yesavage uses unusually high arm angle to his advantage

Sports Leagues Feared a Betting Scandal Like This. Will Anything Change?

Back from Tommy John surgery, Shane Bieber elbows Shohei Ohtani right out of the spotlight

Eichel's 2 late goals help Vegas Golden Knights beat Carolina Hurricanes 6-3

HighSchoolOT's Male and Female Athletes of the Week for October 20-25

HighSchoolOT

The Starting 22: Best players from Week 10 of the North Carolina high school football season

Alpaca Game of the Week to feature a conference title fight between rivals Heritage and Wake Forest

(1) D.H. Conley avenges (2) Cardinal Gibbons loss, wins 7A East title in a five-set thriller

(1) Watauga knocks off (2) Kings Mountain in five to advance to 6A state championship

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

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.

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 Specialists

Add digital assets to your estate planning

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

5 On Your Side

WRAL Investigates the push for solutions to farm parties

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

Investigations

US government allowed and even helped US firms sell tech used for surveillance in China, AP finds

Guest column: Dysfunctional government stalls innovation

Grace Ueng: The leadership metronome

Qualcomm Unveils New Line of Chips to Join the AI Boom

WRAL TechWire

5 On Your Side: How to plan your digital estate for peace of mind

Judge extends order barring the Trump administration from firing federal workers during the shutdown

Trump administration moves to overrule state laws protecting credit reports from medical debt

PayPal and UPS help lead US stocks to more records

Business

Powerball

Mega Millions

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Go Ask Dad: Snail tricks, costume treats

Family

Keeping kids visible and pets from escaping on Halloween

Halloween 2025 restaurant freebies & deals 

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

Top Amazon Deals: Hanes Men's Sweatpants only $9.00 (57% off), LEGO 3 in 1 Space Shuttle Set only $6.39, Crayola LED Kids Drawing Light Board only $14.92 (57% off), Blink Video Doorbell only $29.99 (57% off)

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