Photo credit: Law&Crime Network
Attorney Ben Crump announced that the family of Nolan Xavier Wells will pursue an independent autopsy after authorities found the 18-year-old dead on Horn Island earlier this week. The request comes as investigators continue working to determine what happened after Wells disappeared during a July Fourth outing with friends.
Wells vanished on Saturday, July 4, after traveling by boat to Horn Island with a group of high school friends. Search teams found his body on Monday, ending a two-day search. Officials confirmed his identity on Tuesday through dental records, but they have not released an official cause of death.
Ben Crump says second autopsy will seek more answers
During an interview with Don Lemon on Wednesday, Crump said the family had arranged for Wells’ body to be transported to Washington, D.C., for an independent examination.
According to Crump, the second autopsy will determine whether Wells suffered any injuries beyond possible drowning. He added that his legal team expects preliminary findings by Friday.
Crump also said Mississippi investigators have not shared details from the state’s autopsy with the family. As a result, the family believes an independent review is necessary to understand the circumstances surrounding Wells’ death.
Family questions remain unanswered
Crump described the Wells family as living through a nightmare. He said they continue searching for answers while investigators work through the evidence.
Although the attorney acknowledged the investigation remains in its early stages, he stressed that his team is not assuming foul play occurred. Instead, they plan to follow the evidence wherever it leads.
“If evidence shows criminal conduct, we will work with law enforcement to pursue justice,” Crump said during the interview.
Jackson County Sheriff John Ledbetter, however, previously said investigators currently have no evidence suggesting a crime occurred.
Deleted texts and reported argument raise concerns
Crump said Wells’ family remains troubled by several unanswered questions. Among those concerns are reports that text messages disappeared from the teenager’s phone.
The attorney also referenced reports of an argument on Horn Island before Wells disappeared. However, he emphasized that investigators are still interviewing witnesses and Wells’ friends to determine exactly what happened.
Crump noted that Wells had planned to attend a Division I football tryout on Monday. Because of that opportunity, the family believes he had avoided alcohol and other substances that might affect his performance. They also described him as a strong swimmer and gifted athlete.
Investigators continue collecting evidence
The Jackson County Sheriff’s Office said the investigation remains active. Authorities continue interviewing witnesses and reviewing available evidence.
Sheriff Ledbetter also addressed social media speculation surrounding the case. He urged the public to avoid spreading rumors while detectives complete their work.
Investigators have asked anyone who visited Horn Island on July 4 to provide original photos, videos or firsthand accounts. They especially want information about any arguments, disturbances or unusual activity reported that day.
Reports also indicate investigators are reviewing a social media video that appears to show an argument on the island. Officials have not confirmed whether the footage is connected to Wells’ death.
Search effort drew widespread community support
Wells disappeared after he failed to return to the mainland with the group that traveled to Horn Island. His mother, Christine Wonsley, reported him missing later that evening.
Multiple agencies joined the search. They included the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office, Mississippi Department of Marine Resources, National Park Service, U.S. Coast Guard, United Cajun Navy, and numerous volunteers.
A park ranger discovered Wells’ body on Monday morning. The State Medical Examiner’s Office later confirmed his identity using dental records.
Meanwhile, community support has continued to grow. By Wednesday morning, a GoFundMe campaign created for the Wells family had raised more than $237,000.
Authorities have not announced a cause or manner of death. Investigators say they will release additional information as the investigation progresses.
Source: Mississippi Clarion Ledger / USA TODAY Network
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