Congressional Black Caucus urges DOJ and FBI to launch federal review of Nolan Wells’ death

The Congressional Black Caucus is urging the U.S. Department of Justice and the FBI to launch an independent federal review into the disappearance and death of 18‑year‑old Nolan Wells, citing unanswered questions and a lack of transparency from Mississippi authorities.

Congressional Black Caucus Calls for Independent Federal Investigation

The CBC sent a letter on Aug. 12 to Attorney General Todd Blanche and FBI Director Kash Patel requesting a federal assessment of the case and asking for a written response within seven days. Lawmakers said federal involvement would not interfere with the state investigation but could determine whether civil rights laws were implicated.

Nolan Wells Family Continues to Seek Answers

Wells vanished on July 4 during a boat trip to Horn Island. His body was found on July 6 on the northeast side of the barrier island. A state autopsy and toxicology has been completed, but its findings have not been publicly released. An independent autopsy commissioned by the family classified both the cause and manner of death as undetermined.

Christine and Elmore Wonsley, Wells’ parents, traveled to Atlanta to join civil rights attorney Ben Crump, Rev. Al Sharpton and Rep. Lucy McBath at a news conference during the National Association of Black Journalists Convention. They said they have waited more than a month for basic information and still do not know what happened to their son.

“We just want the truth,” Elmore Wonsley said. “We are asking the questions any other parent would ask.”

No one has been charged in Wells’ death. Local officials say the case will go before a grand jury once the sheriff’s investigation ends. They note that presenting cases to a grand jury is routine for most unnatural or suspicious deaths in the county and does not, by itself, signal criminal wrongdoing.

Lawmakers Say Federal Review Is Necessary

Rep. Lucy McBath, who joined the family at the press conference, said Wells’ death demands a full and independent investigation.

“We’re demanding a full federal investigation as to what has actually happened to Nolan Wells,” she said.

McBath, a member of the CBC, noted that families deserve transparency when local investigations stall. She said the Wells family should not be forced to grieve without answers.

Moreover, the CBC emphasized that federal involvement would ensure every investigative resource is used and determine whether federal civil rights laws apply.

DOJ Confirms It Is Reviewing the Request

The Justice Department confirmed to ABC News that it received the CBC’s letter and is “reviewing it carefully.” According to the report, the FBI is already assisting local investigators, though no cause of death has been released by the Mississippi State Medical Examiner.

Calls for Transparency Continue to Grow

As the investigation continues, civil rights leaders say the Wells family deserves clarity. Sharpton said during the press conference families must be able to rely on federal authorities when state investigations fall short. Horn Island is part of Gulf Islands National Seashore and is managed by the National Park Service as a federally protected wilderness area.

Wells’ parents and supporters say they will keep pushing until they receive answers. They believe a federal review is the only path toward transparency and accountability.