August 13, 2026
The household is demanding a full federal investigation.
The household of 18-year-old Nolan Wells is asking for a federal overview of the investigation into his loss of life, greater than a month after he disappeared throughout a Fourth of July boating journey in Mississippi, in response to WLOX.
Wells’ mother and father, Christine and Elmore Wonsley, joined civil rights lawyer Ben Crump, the Rev. Al Sharpton, and U.S. Rep. Lucy McBath on Aug. 13 on the Nationwide Affiliation of Black Journalists conference in Atlanta. The group mentioned the case throughout a panel moderated by journalist Tiffany Cross earlier than holding a information convention.
Wells was reported lacking after he did not return from a July 4 boating journey with buddies. His physique was discovered on July 6 in waters close to Horn Island off Mississippi’s Gulf Coast.
The Congressional Black Caucus can also be searching for federal scrutiny. In a letter despatched Aug.12, caucus Chair Yvette Clarke and different members urged Legal professional Basic Todd Blanche and FBI Director Kash Patel to launch an unbiased overview. McBath stated federal officers got seven days to reply.
“We’re demanding a full federal investigation,” McBath stated. “We need to be sure that each stone is turned as a result of his life issues.”
Wells’ mother and father have questioned the circumstances surrounding his disappearance and the authorities’ preliminary response. Christine Wonsley stated she contacted a number of regulation enforcement businesses whereas making an attempt to report her son lacking, however was redirected due to jurisdictional questions.
An unbiased post-mortem commissioned by the household labeled Wells’ trigger and method of loss of life as undetermined. The workplace of District Legal professional Angel Myers McIlrath has stated the state post-mortem report can be withheld till a grand jury evaluations it.
Crump’s workforce and the district lawyer’s workplace have additionally mentioned collectively inspecting Wells’ cellphone. Legal professional Liza Park stated the household’s forensic workforce is ready for prosecutors to ascertain a time and placement for the examination.
The Jackson County Sheriff’s Workplace advised the outlet the investigation stays open and ongoing. Crump’s workforce is conducting a separate investigation.
“We would like fact. We would like transparency,” Crump stated.
Sharpton stated the household would settle for the findings if the investigation gives clear solutions.
“If the reality comes out and it’s clear, then we are going to settle for the reality,” Sharpton stated. “That’s all we’re asking.”
Wells would have turned 19 on Aug. 19. His household plans to carry a nationwide prayer rally that day at Better St. John AME Church in Biloxi, Mississippi.
“We simply need the reality,” Elmore Wonsley stated. “We simply need to know what some other mother or father would need to know.”
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