ZEBULON, N.C. — The quiet community of Zebulon remains in shock following the horrific discovery of four deceased children, a tragedy that has left both residents and first responders grappling with unimaginable grief and trauma. As the investigation into the killings continues, local authorities are now turning their focus to the psychological toll that the devastating scene has taken on the men and women who responded to the call — a crime that many are describing as one of the most heartbreaking and disturbing in recent memory.
According to the Johnston County Sheriff’s Office, deputies responded late Monday night after receiving a distressing 911 call from Wellington Delano Dickens III, who reportedly confessed to killing his children before law enforcement arrived at the scene. What officers discovered upon arrival was a tragedy beyond comprehension — four young lives cut short, their bodies found inside the trunk of a vehicle in the family’s garage. A fifth child, a 3-year-old boy, was found alive inside the home.
For the first responders — including deputies, paramedics, and crime scene investigators — the call was nothing short of life-altering. Johnston County Sheriff Steve Bizzell spoke candidly about the emotional weight his deputies are carrying, describing the scene as “one no one should ever have to witness.” He emphasized that the department has already begun arranging counseling and peer support services for those who were directly involved in the response.
“These are seasoned professionals, but there’s no level of training that can prepare someone for something like this,” Bizzell said. “They’re fathers, mothers, brothers, and sisters themselves. What they saw will stay with them forever.”
Mental health experts say that incidents involving the death of children often have profound and lasting effects on emergency personnel. In response, the sheriff’s office has partnered with trauma counselors and the North Carolina Critical Incident Stress Management Team to provide ongoing support, ensuring that no responder faces the aftermath of this tragedy alone.
Community members have also stepped up to show support for law enforcement and emergency crews. Local churches and civic groups have organized prayer vigils not only for the victims and their surviving sibling but also for the first responders who will carry the emotional scars of that night for years to come.
“This was not just another crime scene — it was a nightmare,” said Chaplain Mark Reynolds, who has been meeting with responders in the days following the incident. “Our job now is to help these brave men and women process the pain, remind them that their reactions are human, and that they are not alone.”
As the investigation continues, authorities are urging the public to allow space for both the grieving family and those who serve on the front lines of tragedy. While detectives work to piece together the events that led to this horrific act, the focus within the department remains on healing, resilience, and mental health care for everyone touched by the case.
In a small town like Zebulon — where neighbors know each other by name — the ripple effects of such violence are profound. Yet amid the heartbreak, the community’s compassion and unity shine through. Vigils have been planned throughout Johnston County, with candles lit in memory of the four innocent children whose lives were stolen, and in support of those who bore witness to their loss.
Sheriff Bizzell summed it up best:
“We’ll never forget what happened here. But we’ll stand together — for these children, for their surviving sibling, and for every responder who had to walk into that house and do the hardest job imaginable.”
The tragedy in Zebulon serves as a sobering reminder of the unseen burden carried by first responders — and the critical importance of addressing their mental and emotional well-being in the aftermath of such horrific events.
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