The family of Nolan Wells is calling for the Justice Department to investigate the 18-year-old’s death, accusing Mississippi officials of attempting to close the case without uncovering the truth. Civil rights attorney Ben Crump stated that the family "will not rest" even after a grand jury ruled Wells’ July death consistent with drowning and found no evidence of criminal activity or racial motivation.
The family’s contention centers on findings from an independent autopsy that revealed "recent unexplained blunt force injuries to the back of [Wells’] head." These findings contrast with the official conclusion and raise questions about how these injuries occurred after Wells disappeared from a July 4 boat trip with white friends.
"The State of Mississippi is attempting to close the chapter on Nolan Wells’ death without getting to the truth," Crump said in a statement. He highlighted that Mississippi's own pathologist identified bruises on the back of Wells' head, and an independent autopsy documented blood traces and blunt force injuries to the head and back. "To this day, not one person has explained how they got there," Crump added.
Crump, who has previously represented families in high-profile civil rights cases, suggested that race may have been a factor in Wells’ death. However, Jackson County District Attorney Angel Myers McIlrath has refuted these claims, accusing Crump of stirring up racial tensions. "There is absolutely no evidence to support the allegations that Nolan’s disappearance and death were racially motivated," McIlrath stated, asserting that Wells chose to stay on the island and that his friends loved him.
The grand jury convened for the case heard from 43 witnesses and seven experts. Wells was last seen on July 4 on Horn Island, with friends reporting he chose to stay behind and catch a later ride. His body was discovered two days later. Wells’ parents were expected to make a public address regarding the case.
