Nolan Wells Family Seeks Independent Autopsy in 18-Year-Old's Mississippi Death
Updated
Updated · PBS NewsHour · Jul 13
Nolan Wells Family Seeks Independent Autopsy in 18-Year-Old's Mississippi Death
3 articles · Updated · PBS NewsHour · Jul 13
Summary
18-year-old Nolan Wells' family is demanding a transparent investigation and independent autopsy after authorities said the Black teen likely drowned and found no signs of foul play.
Ben Crump said officials appeared to lean toward accidental drowning before completing forensics or fully interviewing the three white friends who returned from the July 4 boat trip without Wells.
Conflicting accounts have become a central issue: Crump said Wells' family rejects the claim that he chose to stay on Horn Island, citing his character and disputed statements about whether he planned to reboard the boat.
A July 5 photo that appears to show Wells at a Jackson County pool party is now being circulated for tips, with the family hoping images and witness accounts help clarify the timeline before his body was found days later.