Wellington Delano Dickens III: Grindr Dates Amid Hidden Bodies

Sometimes, true crime stories arrive that you just can’t get out of your head, and Wellington Delano Dickens III from Zebulon, North Carolina, is one of them. And, a new update makes it even worse. Read on for more details.

Multiple Murders Of Kids

The 38-year-old suspected of multiple murders made a 911 call back in October last year, confessing to killing four of his kids. When the cops arrived, they found the bodies in the trunk of his car.

This week, per a new report by People Magazine, “the man had dates visit the home in which he concealed their bodies.” Additionally, the outlet cited Goldberg as saying that texts suggested “Dickens had men he met on Grindr over at the house” while the remains were decomposing just feet away.

The Victims

Obviously, the terrible murders become even more unsettling for true crime followers after hearing that. Other details reported on the case listed the names and ages of the children. The victims include Leah, six years old. Next is Zoe, who was nine. Meanwhile, Wellington IV was 10. Plus, an older stepson, 18-year-old Sean Brasfield also appeared on the list.

Evidence suggests that Wellington Delano Dickens III carried out the murders at different times. Apparently, Leah died in May. Months later, Zoe’s death followed in August. Sadly, the timeline only ended in September. All four were gone by then.

Overly Harsh Discipline

Early in 2026, new court documents revealed a clearer picture of Dickens. Police investigations and search warrants allegedly showed that he “disciplined” one of his children so harshly that they ended up dead.

Another child questioned the death of her sister, so he taped her mouth shut. And, later, he discovered she also passed away. 

Meanwhile, he carried on as if everything was just fine. He turned up on dating apps and casually invited strangers into his home. On the surface of it, it seemed as if nothing was wrong.

The Motives?

Apparently, Dickens admitted to officers he’d been too harsh on the little girls. Meanwhile, justifying the death of his sons, apparently, they didn’t get enough to eat and died from malnutrition. When the police found the bodies in the car, it became obvious they’d been there for some time. 

Tragedy wasn’t new to the family when things took a darker turn. Stephanie Jones, Dickens wife, died after losing a pregnancy, well before any bloodshed started. Then there was another child, unaccounted for at first.

A month-old baby called Riley, so the story goes, fell ill and died. Instead of calling authorities, Dickens “buried the infant” among the trees behind their home.

One Survivor

One child managed to survive being murdered. Police discovered a little boy, aged three, still alive in the home. He was taken into “protective custody,” and for now, his dad remains behind bars. 

The news arrived that prosecutors felt horrified by the alleged murders and they push for the death penalty. The next court appearance happens on March 2027, 2026. We’ll follow the outcome and be sure to let you know what happens.

What are your thoughts on this case? Sound off in the comments below, and come back here often for all your true crime news and updates.