The family of Nolan Wells, a Black teenager found dead after disappearing during a boating trip off the Mississippi coast on July 4, is collaborating with local authorities to scrutinize the contents of his cellphone.
Wells, 18, had been on a trip to Horn Island with friends but did not return. His mother, Christine Wonsley, reported him missing after midnight on July 5. Rescuers discovered his body in waters near the island the following day.
The family retrieved his phone from a friend’s home on July 4. They located it using a tracking app. They claimed messages seemed to have been erased before they recovered it, adding to their concerns about the investigation into his death.
The Jackson County Sheriff’s Department stated last week that no foul play was suspected. However, they urged the public to provide more information. The results of the official autopsy are still awaited.
Wells’ family has sought the expertise of trial lawyer and civil rights advocate Ben Crump. He has represented families in other high-profile, racially motivated cases, demanding transparency. Family and attorneys noted that, based on photos and videos of the July 4 celebration on the island, around 200 people attended, with Wells being one of the few Black individuals present.
On Wednesday, they met with District Attorney Angel Myers McIlrath to discuss the inquiry process. Crump mentioned that McIlrath agreed to present the investigation to a grand jury upon completion.
“The hope is when this is presented to the grand jury, all relevant witnesses and evidence will be presented to them, so we can have a fair and impartial investigation into the death of Nolan Wells,” Crump said. “Our lived experiences tell us that we must question everything, everybody’s role, law enforcement’s role. That is the lived experience as Black people in America.”
Wonsley announced her son’s funeral would be on July 20 through a Facebook post. She mentioned, “SECURITY will be present for the funeral and repass. My family and I ask that everyone remains peaceful at all times.”
This story is developing with more updates to follow.
This article includes reporting by The Associated Press.