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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

UPDATES DURING THIS NEWSCAST, I'LL LET YOU KNOW. THANK YOU, BRIAN. >> NEW TONIGHT WE HAVE NEW PERSPECTIVE ON THE 9-1-1 CALL MADE BY A MAN WHO CONFESSED TO MURDERING 4 OF HIS CHILDREN. DR COME BLUES L AS A PSYCHOTHERAPIST. SHE LISTEN TO THE CALL AND SAID IT SOUNDS LIKE WELLINGTON DICKENS HAD BEEN SUFFERING FROM EXTREME PSYCHOSIS. THE BUREAU'S ERIC MILLER HAS THE STORY. >> WELLINGTON DICKENS WAS BRIEFLY BACK IN COURT HERE IN JOHNSTON COUNTY. THIS AFTERNOON. THEN HANGING OVER THIS CASE, A KEY QUESTION. HOW COULD ANYONE DO THIS? ONE EXPERT IS TELLING US TONIGHT THE ANSWER MAY LIE IN DICKENS, MENTAL STATE AND THE TRAUMA HE ENDURED. >> ON THE 9-1-1 CALL WILLINGTON DICKENS IS THE REALLY COLD. >> OKAY. FOR WHAT'S GOING ON. WHEN YOU PUT A LOT TO PLAYING THE IN. AND THAT'S THE NOT AGREE ON. WAS MY FAULT. >> THE FATHER REFORM MADE THE CALL LATE MONDAY DETAILING THE MURDER OF HIS 4 CHILDREN INSIDE. THIS IS A BULLET HOLE. OKAY. HOW DID YOU DO IT? >> A BID TO BEAT ON THE PHONE FROM A THEY DIDN'T WANT TO BE IN FOR THEM WITH A LITTLE PLANNING IS REALLY NOT THAT HE DIDN'T WANT TO DEFER A LITTLE THING. >> THIS SEEMED TO BE AN EXTREME CASE, ASSUMING THIS IS PSYCHOSIS. >> DEFINITELY DEFINITELY SO WHEN LISTENING INTO THAT COLD PSYCHOTHERAPIST, DR COMEAUX WAS ILL SAYS IN LAYMAN'S TERMS, IT SOUNDS LIKE DICKENS HAD BEEN SUFFERING FROM A BREAK FROM REALITY. IN REALITY WAS STARTING TO COME BACK. >> SO IT DOESN'T SEEM THAT THE CRISIS IS GOING ON AT THAT MOMENT. BUT IT DEFINITELY SEEMS LIKE THE PRICES HAS OCCURRED RECENTLY. I HEAR SOME DELUSION IS MAYBE JOSE NATIONS TO SELL. CAN'T SAY WHAT CAUSED THAT BREAK WITH REALITY. THE TRAUMA MAY HAVE PLAYED A ROLE. >> ACCORDING TO FAMILY DICKENS WAS AN IRAQ WAR VET AND TO RECENTLY SUFFERED MULTIPLE DEATHS AND THE FAMILY, INCLUDING HIS WIFE WHO DIED DURING A MISCARRIAGE LAST YEAR, DEPENDING ON THE SEVERITY OF THE TRAUMA, SOMETIMES PSYCHOSIS. WE'LL FOLLOW WITH THAT POST TRAUMA >> AND WHAT MADE YOU WANT TO DO THIS THERE? >> IT WAS REALLY NOT ALL ALL. ME. NERVOUS AND I DIDN'T DO IT. WHEN I SPOKE TO NOW BENNETT OUT. >> STILL SAYS THE MOST EXTREME CASES OF PSYCHOSIS CAN INCLUDE AN ACT OF MURDER OR AN ACT OF HORROR THAT HE ARGUES THIS CASE IS A REMINDER TO PAY ATTENTION TO MENTAL HEALTH WARNINGS TO IT, ESPECIALLY FOR THOSE GOING THROUGH A CRISIS. IF YOU FEEL THAT SOMEONE IS IN DANGER. >> OR YOU FEEL THAT SOMEONE IS EXPERIENCING A MENTAL HEALTH CRISIS. I URGE EVERYONE. >> TO SEEK HELP FOR THAT PERSON. >> EZELL POINTS TO CRISIS LIFELINES, ESPECIALLY THOSE TAILOR MADE FOR VETERANS AS GOOD RESOURCES AND GOOD STARTING POINTS TO GET SOMEONE HELP WHEN THEY NEED IT. IN JOHNSTON COUNTY, ERIC MILLER, WRAL NEWS. >> AND BACK HERE IN THE WRAL LIVE CENTER, THE HAR OF THAT STORY HAS RESONATED WITH EVERYONE WHO HEARS IT AND TONIGHT, THE ORANGE COUNTY SHERIFF IS POSTING ON FACEBOOK REMINDING PEOPLE TO KEEP FIRST RESPONDERS IN MIND AS WELL. THIS IS AREN'T COUNTY SHERIFF CHARLES BLACKWOOD WHO SAID KEEP THE MEN AND WOMEN OF THE JOHNSTON COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE, EMS, FIRE PERSONNEL TELECOMMUNICATORS IN YOUR THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS SAYS THAT HE SPOKE WITH SHERIFF. DOES ALL THIS EVENING SAYS WAS ONE OF THE TOUGHEST CRIME SCENES HE'S EVER HAD TO DEAL WITH. IT. SHERIFF BLACKWOOD SAYS THE CRITICAL INCIDENT EXPOSURE, ISRAEL AND ITS EFFECTS CAN LAST A LIFETIME. THIS IS COLLECTIVELY WE PRAY FOR EVERYONE WHO'S INVOLVED.

Psychotherapist reacts to newly released 911 call in death of four children

Wellington Dickens in court

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

Obamacare Prices Become Public, Highlighting Big Increases

Raleigh officer accused of coercing crash victim into sex crime now indicted on prostitution charges

Tremale Cogdell faces felony charges of a sexual act by a government employee and obstruction of justice. He also faces a misdemeanor charge of willfully failing to discharge duties.

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

House collapses in Buxton

The Latest: Trump says he has deals with China after meeting Xi to try to solve trade tensions

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Overnight scattered showers and isolated storms, before sunshine brings end to dreary weather stretch

Next weather-maker to pass through North Carolina Wednesday night

Sallie B Howard School honors teacher, former Shaw track star killed in I-40 accident

Brijette Basden

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According to the Fayetteville Police Department, officers responded to a crash around 5:51 p.m. on Gillespie Street at Southern Avenue. When officers arrived, they found a motorcycle and an SUV involved in a crash.


Motorcycle driver killed in Fayetteville crash, police say

Motorcycle crash on Gillespie Street in Fayetteville

The Catholic Church, Moms for Liberty and many Republican state lawmakers and members of Congress have weighed in on the case and its allegations of cancel culture.

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

Teacher in classroom

According to the Hoke County Sheriff's Office, deputies charged Jania Jones with bringing a gun on educational property. Deputies said the incident happened at Hawk Eye Elementary School on Old Maxton Road in Hoke County.


Teacher charged with bringing gun to school, Hoke County deputies say

Police car

The average DMV wait time is now about 90 minutes, down from more than two hours in July, the agency's top official told lawmakers Wednesday. 

NC DMV head tells lawmakers wait times have fallen as he commits to overhaul of agency

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

The event pays homage to George Vanderbilt's first Christmas in 1895, with unique decorations and a majestic 35-foot tree, inviting guests to relive a historic festive experience.


Biltmore Estate's 130th Christmas Tree raising celebrates resilience after Hurricane Helene

Christmas tree with lights

How to save on auto repair costs, without compromising on quality. Keeping up with routine maintenance, having a trusted mechanic and searching for promotions can help you save money.


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

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Bridgette and Wayne Todd, the Halifax County newlyweds who spoke with WRAL News earlier this week about hunkering down at their resort near Negril, are OK.

Halifax County couple OK after riding out Hurricane Melissa in Jamaica

Wayne and Bridgette Todd

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

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.

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

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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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Tremale Cogdell is accused of accepting a sexual favor to look past a DWI investigation. On Wednesday, he was indicted on five charges of soliciting prostitution.

Raleigh officer indicted on prostitution charges after being charged with coercing crash victim into sex while on duty

NCAA reconsiders gambling policy for student-athletes

North Carolina educators deal with invisible sticker shock and confusion

Why is Raleigh called Raleigh?

New website shows where Naloxone access falls short

Candidate for Durham City Council moves event after social media post 

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

Local News

Inmate found dead at Wake County Detention Center

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

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

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

Nation/World

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

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

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

Wilson scores 23 as UNC beats Winston-Salem State to close preseason 95-53

WRALSportsFan

100 days to the Milan-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics

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

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

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

Q&A: Answering Your Football Playoff Projections Questions

HighSchoolOT

No. 7 Providence scores in OT to down No. 6 Ardrey Kell, earn share of conference title

Predicted winners for every game in NC football week 11

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

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

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

Former employees file new lawsuit against CJF America

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.

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

Donald Thompson: The humanities are a CEO's edge

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

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

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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), Blink Video Doorbell only $29.99 (57% off), Fisher-Price Little People Horses Stable Playset only $15.54 (52% off)

SmartShopper

List of top grocery deals valid Oct. 29-Nov. 4

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

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

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