Ben Crump details new steps in Nolan Wells investigation

Ben Crump details new steps in Nolan Wells investigation

Civil rights attorney Ben Crump detailed new investigative steps in the death of Nolan Wells during an appearance on Thursday at the National Urban League Conference in Nashville, Tennessee. Wells, 18, disappeared during a July 4 trip to Horn Island with friends and was found dead two days later.

According to Crump, his team is working with oceanic engineering experts to track tides and audio professionals to review a Sea Tow call in its entirety. The Mississippi Department of Marine Resources previously released a partially redacted call from the boat to Sea Tow on July 4, removing identifying phone and account numbers. Multiple edited versions featuring audio and AI enhancements have since circulated online, with various interpretations claiming to hear proof of a crime in the background.

Crump also stated that his team is working to secure access for Dr. Roger Mitchell, the medical examiner who conducted an independent autopsy, to examine Wells' internal throat structures. The independent autopsy, performed on July 10, listed both the cause and manner of death as undetermined, pending further investigation. Mitchell noted marked decomposition and stated that inner-neck structures were not received with the body, preventing him from ruling out injuries to that area. A private autopsy could not inspect the lungs, airway, and stomach in the same manner as when the body was recovered because those organs were dissected during the initial autopsy.

Jackson County Sheriff and District Attorney Updates

Jackson County Sheriff John Ledbetter stated that investigators did not initially suspect foul play, and the investigation remains ongoing. Deputies have asked anyone who saw or heard an argument, disturbance, or other unusual activity on Horn Island to come forward.

Once the sheriff's office concludes its investigation, Angel Myers McIlrath, district attorney for Mississippi's 19th Circuit Court District, plans to present the case to a grand jury. McIlrath stated that every death in the county except natural causes and non-criminal car wrecks is presented to the grand jury.

Wells' family called the announcement premature and hired Crump to conduct an independent investigation and explore potential civil litigation. Christine Wonsley, Wells' mother, stated that it had been 27 days since she last saw her son alive and urged people to come forward with information. Elmore Wonsley called for the truth and reported that his family, especially his wife, had faced harassment and negative workplace reviews.

Up to $125,000 in total rewards is being offered for tips leading to an arrest and conviction. This includes $50,000 from the Rev. Al Sharpton and the National Action Network matched by actor and producer Tyler Perry, $25,000 from NFL Hall of Famer Terrell Owens, and an additional $50,000 offered by Dr. Benjamin Hudson, according to TMZ.

Broader Context at the National Urban League Conference

At the conference in Nashville, Crump provided updates on multiple cases involving 18-year-old Black men who died months apart, including Daniel Erving and Tyler Smith. Marc H. Morial, president and CEO of the National Urban League, stated that his organization stands with Crump's clients and wants to see the families get justice.

Erving drowned while swimming in Lake Ray Hubbard near Rowlett, Texas, on April 13, and his body was recovered four days later. While the death was ruled accidental, two teens face evidence-tampering charges related to hiding his belongings and deleting communications.

Smith died from a gunshot wound on July 4. While police called it an accidental, self-inflicted shooting, Smith's family disputes that conclusion. Bryce Chestnut has been charged with tampering with physical evidence after a preliminary report indicated that the recovered weapon did not match the shell casing.