In October, a North Carolina man named Wellington Delano Dickens III called 911 and told the operator that he had killed four of his children.
Now, Dickens has confessed to burying a fifth child — a one-month-old infant named Riley — in the woods near his home.
Dickens tells authorities that Riley’s health declined shortly after moved to a home in Zebulon, east of Raleigh.
Wellington Dickens III has been arrested in connection with the deaths of five children. (Johnston County Sheriff’s Office)
Authorities say they’ve been unable to locate child’s remains
When the child died, Dickens says, he wrapped him in plastic and disposed of the body.
The death was not reported to authorities until the moment that Dickens, 38, made his shocking confession.
Authorities searched the area that Dickens described, but were unable to locate Riley’s body.
According to NBC News, they have requested additional resources to aid in the search.
Johnston County Sheriff’s Office Chief Deputy Jeff Caldwell told reporters that the search for Riley’s remains is ongoing and no additional charges have been filed against Dickens.
Latest confession comes weeks after Dickens admitted to killing four children
Dickens has been in police custody since October 27 when he called 911 to confess that he had killed four children.
Police arrived at his home to find four of Dickens’ kids aged 6, 9, and 10, along with his 18-year-old stepchild, inside the trunk of a car parked in his garage.
“Dickens continued to speak with the dispatcher saying that he did not torture his children, he over-disciplined his children and was wanting to turn himself in,” reads an affidavit in the case.
Dickens’ wife passed away in April, leaving him to care for his four children and adult stepchild.
Insiders say he had been acting erratically since his father passed the previous year.
We will have further updates on this developing story as new information becomes available.
Now that the House and Senate have both voted to release the Jeffrey Epstein files, it seems that the controversial collection of documents will soon be made available to the public.
(Assuming, of course, that President Trump signs off on the release. He’s hinted that he’ll do so, but the man has been known to have a change of heart now and then.)
The fallout over the files has already begun, with high-profile figures like former treasury secretary Larry Summers issuing public apologies.
And information that everyone would probably prefer to live without — including details about Epstein’s “deformed” genitals — has now begun to surface.
A protest group called “Hot Mess” hold up signs of Jeffrey Epstein in front of the Federal courthouse on July 8, 2019 in New York City. (Photo by Stephanie Keith/Getty Images)
Jeffrey Epstein accuser describes dead predator’s genitals ahead of file release
In a new interview with journalist Tina Brown, Epstein accuser Rina Oh confirms earlier reports about the dead predator’s “extremely deformed” penis.
“He had an extremely deformed penis,” Oh, 46, told Brown (via the New York Post).
“Some people have described it as the shape of an egg. I think it was more of the shape of a lemon, and it was really small when it was fully erect. It was probably like two inches.”
Oh went on to describe Epstein’s relationship with Ghislane Maxwell as “very awful.”
“Their relationship was very awful, very strange,” she said.
In this handout provided by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, Jeffrey Epstein poses for a sex offender mugshot after being charged with procuring a minor for prostitution on July 25, 2013 in Florida. (Photo by Florida Department of Law Enforcement via Getty Images)
“I actually didn’t ever suspect that the two of them were having any type of a romantic relationship. I thought she was an associate of his, especially when I saw them fighting,” Oh continued.
“Ghislaine was snickering at him in that British accent, and they were throwing insults at each other.”
The Jeffrey Epstein-Michael Jackson connection
So what does the revelation about Epstein’s oblong dong have to do with Michael Jackson?
Well, it seems we wouldn’t have learned about the financier’s misshapen member were it not for the King of Pop’s sexual misconduct trial.
US Attorney for the Southern District of New York Geoffrey Berman announces charges against Jeffery Epstein on July 8, 2019 in New York City. (Photo by Stephanie Keith/Getty Images)
According to a new report from TMZ, Spencer Kuvin, the lawyer who grilled Epstein at his 2009 deposition got the idea to pursue that line of question from transcripts of Jackson’s trial.
“Is it true, sir, that you have what is described as an egg-shaped penis?” Kuvin asked at one point, over objections from Epstein’s lawyer.
“One witness described your penis as oval-shaped, it was thick towards the bottom but was thin and small towards the head portion and called it egg-shaped,” Kuvin pressed on before Epstein ended the interview.
For the record, Jackson’s name has been mentioned as an associate of Epstein’s, but he has not been accused of any wrongdoing.
In the days ahead, it’s likely that connections between Epstein and many rich, powerful, and famous men will be revealed — some will be innocent, some will be downright appalling.
And the whole situation might make us all wonder what the hell is happening in this country.
It seems that he has learned the difference between a car full of fans and a group of shooters rolling up to ruin his day — or possibly end his life.
So, to reassure two friends, the rapper invoked Kirk’s name. It set them at east. And it’s all on video.
Rapper 6ix9ine, or Tekashi 69, performs during the Philipp Plein fashion showw as part of the Women’s Spring/Summer 2019 fashion week in Milan, on September 21, 2018. (Photo Credit: MARCO BERTORELLO/AFP via Getty Images)
Tekashi 6ix9ine has an unusual way of calming his friends
This has been a weird few days for Tekashi 6ix9ine, and not only because he’s using “Charlie Kirk” as a verb.
On Tuesday, November 18, the widely reviled rapper was streaming with Antonio Brown and Adin Ross.
“What’s up, bro?” the rapper asked, keeping a casual vibe.
Meanwhile, Brown and Ross both appeared less than chill.
Tekashi picked up on the tension, and turned to his companions to reassure them.
“Don’t worry,” he told them. “We’re not gonna get Charlie Kirk’d,”
Both seemed to feel relief. And, sure enough, the SUV drove off without incident.
Rapper Tekashi 6ix9ine is seen during the second half of a game between the Miami Heat and the Cleveland Cavaliers at Kaseya Center on November 12, 2025. (Photo Credit: Carmen Mandato/Getty Images)
So … what did this have to do with Charlie Kirk?
On September 10, far-right podcaster Charlie Kirk died from a gunshot wound to the neck.
He had only just begun his tour of college campuses for the conservative organization, Turning Point USA.
What made Kirk’s death stand out for many was that there were multiple videos, some of which were quite graphic.
Interestingly, many learned for the first time that people had seen two radically different sides to Kirk.
To many, he represented America’s extreme right and was an existential threat to freedom. However, many others knew of him only as a self-help advocate and motivational speaker for white Christians. Until his death, these groups did not seem to know about this “other side” to the man.
Far-right podcaster Charlie Kirk speaks at the opening of the Turning Point Action conference on July 15, 2023. (Photo Credit: Joe Raedle/Getty Images)
To be blunt, Tekashi 6ix9ine is using “Charlie Kirk” as a verb. It is shorthand for “assassinated” in this context.
Or, even more simply, it is shorthand for “shot.”
Either way, it is not something that they would want to happen to them.
Tekashi’s life has been in danger multiple times. Gunmen robbed his home just days ago. And he’s not the only one on the stream who’s seen his share of violence.
They all know that they could anger the wrong people and end up paying the price. But that did not happen during Tuesday’s stream.
Rapper 6ix9ine performs at Power 105.1’s Powerhouse 2018 at Prudential Center on October 28, 2018. (Photo Credit: Bennett Raglin/Getty Images for Power 105.1)
To be fair, someone COULD roll up on them and start shooting
He had been in custody in Dubai, then faced extradition back to Miami.
Brown is facing a second degree charge of attempted murder with a deadly weapon.
Allegedly, he tried to shoot another man at an Adin Ross boxing event. (Small world, huh?)
But, as Tekashi 6ix9ine predicted, he did not get shot. “Charlie Kirk” is, however, a pretty tasteless euphemism to use on a livestream (no matter how you felt about Kirk), and will hopefully not catch on.
We’re closer than ever to the release of the Jeffrey Epstein files, and already, wealthy and powerful figures around the world are feeling the fallout.
Now, Andrew’s ex-wife, Sarah Ferguson, is the latest high-profile figure to suffer consequences as a result of her connection to the dead predator.
Sarah Ferguson waves as she attends the Easter Matins Service at St. George’s Chapel, Windsor Castle on April 20, 2025 in Windsor, England. (Photo by Kirsty Wigglesworth – WPA Pool/Getty Images)
According to a new report from People magazine, New Frontier Publishing has canceled the release of Fergie’s latest children’s book, Flora and Fern: Kindness Along the Way.
All book signings and bookshop talks by Ferguson, who is popularly known as Fergie, have also been canceled.
Photos of the book cover revealed that Sarah was credited as Sarah, Duchess of York, the title she gained when she married Andrew.
Though Sarah has not been formally stripped of her titles as her ex was, it’s unclear at this time if she intends to continue using them.
Sarah Ferguson, Duchess of York poses with her book “A Most Intriguing Lady” at Sarah Ferguson, Duchess of York In Conversation With Samantha Barry at The 92nd Street Y New York, on March 06, 2023 in New York City. (Photo by Michael Loccisano/Getty Images)
The two have remained close in the years since their marriage came to an end.
In fact, they were living together when Charles handed down Andrew’s punishment, meaning that Fergie will also be forced to find a new place to live.
In September, she was forced to step down from her roles at several children’s charities, after friendly emails between her and Epstein resurfaced.
In 2011, Ferguson was harshly criticized for accepting cash loans (some called them gifts) from Epstein, despite the fact that he had already served prison time for procuring a child for prostitution and soliciting a prostitute.
In the wake of that revelation, she vowed to cut ties with the disgraced financier.
“I personally, on behalf of myself, deeply regret that Jeffrey Epstein became involved in any way with me,” Ferguson told the media at the time.
Sarah Ferguson, Duchess of York attends the Christmas Morning Service at Sandringham Church on December 25, 2023 in Sandringham, Norfolk. (Photo by Stephen Pond/Getty Images)
“I abhor pedophilia and any sexual abuse of children and know that this was a gigantic error of judgment on my behalf. I am just so contrite I cannot say,” she continued, adding:
“Whenever I can, I will repay the money and have nothing ever to do with Jeffrey Epstein ever again. What he did was wrong and for which he was rightly jailed.
“I will never have anything to do with him again. I deeply regret it. How many more times do you want me to underline that?” Ferguson concluded.
As it turns out, she emailed Epstein to apologize shortly after making that statement,.
“You have always been a steadfast, generous and supreme friend to me and my family. As you know, I did not, absolutely not, say the ‘P word’ [pedophile] about you but understand it was reported that I did,” Ferguson wrote in an email obtained by the Daily Mail.
“However, I am apologizing to you today for not replying to your email or reaching out to you when the tabloids were so horrendous.”
We’re sure worse revelations about bigger public figures will come out in the days ahead — but Sarah’s past involvement with Epstein will likely continue to cost her.
As you may very well know at this point, Ariana Grande is starring in a certain movie franchise.
Critics are simply gushing over her role in Wicked: For Good, which comes out on November 21.
With so many accolades pouring in, and with the movie industry calling her name, many out there have been wondering: Will Ariana Grande ever return to music?
Ariana Grande attends as Universal Pictures proudly presents the WICKED FOR GOOD US Premiere on November 17, 2025 in New York City. (Photo by Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images for Universal Pictures)
The short answer is yes. Grande is about to embark her Eternal Sunshine Tour.
But the superstar appeared this past Tuesday on the Good Hang with Amy Poehler podcast, reflecting on what the next decade of her life could look like.
And whether or not it will include acting, making music or both.
“I think the last 10 to 15 years will look very different to the ones that are coming up,” the 32-year old said.
Ariana Grande attends the 16th Governors Awards at The Ray Dolby Ballroom on November 16, 2025 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Amy Sussman/Getty Images)
Added the artist in reference to the aforementioned tour:
“I don’t want to say any definitive things. I do know that I’m very excited to do this small tour, but I think it might not happen again for a long, long, long, long time.”
Because this might be her last time performing on a stage in front of fans, Grande does at least plan to give it all she has to give.
“It’s going to be beautiful and I’m so grateful that — I think that’s why I’m doing it because I’m like, ‘One last hurrah.’ For now,” she told Poehler.
Ariana Grande attends the 2025 MTV Video Music Awards at UBS Arena on September 07, 2025. (Photo Credit: Noam Galai/Getty Images for MTV)
When Poehler, 54, asked about the trajectory of her career, Grande said she feels “a lot more connected to myself and my art” since she started expanding outside of pop music.
“I spent so much time only doing pop music — but I grew up as a girl who loved musical theater and comedy. So I think the thing that will be best for my soul and also my art and for what I’m giving to myself to, is if I’m chasing things that feel very right in the moment,” she said.
“Even if it’s mundane it needs to be something different. I am doing a movie right now because it’s a role that I read the script and I love it and it’s funny and I love the cast and I’m so excited,” Grande, who’s starring in Wicked: For Good and the upcoming Focker In-Law, added.
“Then I’m doing a small stint of shows next year because that is something that authentically sounded good to me.”
Concluded the beloved celebrity:
“I think following those authentic impulses feels like a really good idea.”
Democrats believe they have an opening to reclaim Latino voters that fled the party last year — but a prominent Latino-focused group argued the party needs to present a message that’s more than just anti-Donald Trump.
Trump’s approval among Latino voters has tapped new lows, continuing a months-long plunge in support among the voting bloc Republicans are relying on to sustain their strongholds in the midterms, according to polling sponsored by Latino voter group Somos Votantes and its affiliated PAC that was shared first with POLITICO.
Trump’s personal favorability is underwater by 26 points among Latino voters, according to a survey conducted by GSG. The drop continues a sustained slump among the demographic that has only worsened since the beginning of the year, and sank another 6 points since September.
But the new polling offers an equally grim outlook on Trump’s handling of the economy — an issue the administration has touted as one of their top achievements and a ballot issue both sides of the aisle have identified as a main decider in top races. Trump is underwater by 30 points on the issue, dipping from 38 percent approval in May to 34 percent in November.
“The reality is that Donald Trump promised to slash prices on day one,” said Melissa Morales, Somos’ president. “That was something that he repeated over and over and that he certainly hasn’t delivered on. What we need to see as we move into next year is that Latino voters are looking for a positive economic vision to believe in. The side that can deliver that in a real way will win over Latino voters.”
Latino voters who swung toward Trump in 2024 rebounded back toward Democrats in this cycle’s off-year races, with the Democratic candidates in both New Jersey and Virginia winning heavily Latino areas. Democrats have heralded these wins as a sign that their messaging on affordability offers the party a chance to harness Latino voters back to the party base, a takeaway Morales said the survey reaffirms.
“The Democratic message can’t just be anti-Trump,” she said. “It has to be providing Latino voters with a positive economic vision for the future and giving them something to believe in.”
“That’s the sort of vision that Latino voters are looking for right now, and that if Democrats want to win Latino voters back over, that they will have to provide,” she added.
Republicans have largely dismissed the party’s recent struggles with Latinos, saying the GOP will bounce back by the midterms. They point to their inroads with Latino voters in recent cycles, noting Trump’s historic gains in 2024 as well as a string of wins in some majority-Latino congressional districts.
“Democrats have ignored Hispanic communities over the past nine years while millions of working families rejected their radical, socialist agenda,” Christian Martinez, the National Republican Congressional Committee’s national Hispanic press secretary, told POLITICO last week. “Republicans will continue to earn the support of Hispanic voters because we are working to deliver opportunity, security, and a better life.”
A majority of Latino voters in the Somos poll overwhelmingly reported extreme concern with the rising cost of living at 64 percent. The polling suggested that Democrats could capitalize on this concern, with Latinos largely holding Republicans responsible for the state of the economy: 45 percent say they blame the GOP for the rising cost of living, compared to 24 percent who blamed Democrats.
“Latino voters are genuinely worried about making sure that they make ends meet,” said pollster Rosa Mendoza. “And I think Republicans having that be one of their core messages as they were heading into the election in 2024, and yet being very much on the back burner — it’s not helping them.”
Global Strategy Group conducted the national poll of 800 Latino registered voters from Nov. 4 to 12. It has a margin of error of plus-or-minus 3.5 percentage points.
A version of this article first appeared in POLITICO Pro’s Morning Score. Want to receive the newsletter every weekday? Subscribe to POLITICO Pro. You’ll also receive daily policy news and other intelligence you need to act on the day’s biggest stories.
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