Nolan Wells’ family, national leaders renew call for federal investigation into teen’s death

The family of 18-year-old Nolan Wells joined civil rights attorney Ben Crump, Congresswoman Maxine Waters and leaders from the National Asian Pacific American Women’s Forum on Monday to renew their call for a federal investigation into the Mississippi teen’s death. They spoke at an emotional news conference in Inglewood, California, urging federal agencies to take over the case and deliver answers the family says they have not received.

Wells disappeared during a Fourth of July boating trip near Horn Island and was found dead two days later. His death remains officially undetermined.

Grand jury decision intensifies demand for federal review

Two and a half months after Wells’ death, a Jackson County grand jury returned a “no true bill,” meaning no criminal charges or indictments would be issued. Crump said the ruling “cannot close the chapter” on the case. He argued the decision left the family with “more questions than answers.”

Ahead of the news conference, NAPAWF Executive Director Christina Baal‑Owens released a statement urging federal agencies to intervene. She said the family “deserves transparency, accountability and the truth.”

Autopsy findings challenge drowning narrative

Both the state and independent autopsies ruled Wells’ cause and manner of death as undetermined. However, the independent autopsy documented blunt‑force injuries to the back of Wells’ head and additional trauma on his back. The report also noted no water in his lungs or stomach.

Christine Wells Wonsley rejected claims circulating online that her son died from “dry drowning.” She said, “Now they’re trying to say dry drowning, but again, where is the physical evidence from the autopsies? They’re nowhere in sight.”

Members of Congress press federal agencies to act

During the news conference, Crump read a letter from Rep. Frederica Wilson urging the National Park Service to open a “prompt and exhaustive investigation.” Waters, who could not attend due to unforeseen circumstances, also called for federal involvement. She said the Justice Department and FBI must “step forward and deliver answers.”

The letter noted that most of Horn Island is federally designated land and asked the Park Service to “examine every circumstance surrounding Nolan’s death and pursue every available lead.”

Advocates condemn harassment and pledge support

Stop AAPI Hate Executive Director Cynthia Choi said the fight for truth “belongs to all of us.” She condemned harassment directed at Wells’ parents, including threats aimed at Christine’s job as a nurse practitioner. Choi said her organization will stand with the family “for as long as it takes.”

NAPAWF honored Christine with its “Voice of Courage” Award on Saturday for “standing in the gap and fighting for the truth of Nolan Wells.”

Nolan Wells parents deliver emotional plea for federal investigation

Christine said she never imagined she would be speaking for families “who feel like they have none.” She said the family has received “no answers other than ‘accidental drowning,’” which she rejects.

Her husband, Elmore Wonsley, urged federal investigators to step in. “We’re asking for what any father would do,” he said. “Find the truth about what happened to his child.”

Crump said the family will continue pressing for a full federal investigation until every question is addressed.