Nolan Xavier Wells, 18, was found dead days after he disappeared while celebrating the 4th of July with friends on Mississippi’s Horn Island. Now, the sheriff leading the investigation has a clear message about what comes next.
The 18-year-old traveled to Horn Island with a group of friends to celebrate Independence Day on July 4. But while the rest of the group returned home, Wells did not.
His mother, Christine Wonsley, reported him missing. According to authorities, he was last seen around 3 p.m. on July 4 at the island’s north end, where witnesses said he was “talking to a girl.” His body was recovered on Monday, July 6.
His mom reported him missing
The following day, Wonsley confirmed on Facebook that the body was her son’s.
While the investigation remains ongoing, authorities have said they do not currently suspect foul play. In a July 8 update, the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office said detectives are continuing to work to determine exactly what happened.
However, the sheriff leading the investigation has warned that the probe will not be rushed. As speculation about Wells’ final moments continues to spread online, investigators have remained tight-lipped about the details surrounding his death.
Nolan Wells’ disappearance
Jackson County Sheriff John Ledbetter stressed that the investigation will be carried out carefully, despite growing calls for answers.
“Nolan Wells’ family deserves a thorough and factual investigation, and that’s exactly what they’re going to get,” he told ABC News.
“I think it is important that we do not put ourselves on a timetable and we do not rush ourselves, but I also think it is important to be diligent in gathering all of the facts.”
Authorities are also urging anyone who may have information to come forward.
“Even if you may think that it might be insignificant. Every little bit helps, and that may be a bigger contribution than you think to this case,” Ledbetter said, according to New York Post.
“We refuse that Nolan Wells’ death be in vain”
At the same time, prominent civil rights attorney Ben Crump has called for an independent investigation and commissioned a separate autopsy, according to VT.
“It’s a lived experience for many Black Americans that often times when our children are killed in highly-questionable situations, there is this notion that there was nothing wrong, no foul play, let’s just sweep it under the rug,” he said at a Harlem press conference Friday.
“We refuse to let them sweep it under the rug. We refuse that Nolan Wells’ death be in vain. We’re going to make sure we get to the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth, because Nolan Wells deserves it.”
As investigators continue working to determine exactly what happened to Wells, authorities are asking the public to come forward with any information that could help move the case forward. His cause of death has not yet been confirmed.
READ MORE
- Mom of friend who was with Nolan Wells explains why teen was left alone on island before he was found dead
- Nolan Wells’ friend finally breaks silence on ‘what really happened’ in troubling video
