Latest updates on the Nolan Wells investigation: c...

Latest updates on the Nolan Wells investigation: cause of d3ath determined

Jackson County Sheriff says the investigation remains active and ongoing one week after Wells’ body was found on Horn Island

PASCAGOULA, Miss. (WLOX) — One week after the body of 18-year-old Nolan Wells was found on Horn Island, the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office says the investigation remains active as questions continue to surround his death over Independence Day weekend.

Jackson County Sheriff John Ledbetter said his department has conducted witness interviews and has been in contact with other agencies, including the FBI.

“This investigation is active. It’s ongoing,” Ledbetter said.

 

Ledbetter said tips from the public have played a role in the investigation’s progress.

“This recent week, we got a lot of valuable information that has come from the public. We put out a call to action last week for that information, and it has been very productive for us,” Ledbetter said.

Many have been awaiting the results of Wells’ autopsy. Toxicology testing is conducted by outside laboratories, and the analysis and review process can take several weeks.

 

A spokesperson for the Mississippi Department of Public Safety said, “Every case is unique and deserves a thorough review; therefore, cases cannot all be handled the same way or on the same timeline.”

Results from an independent autopsy commissioned by the Wells family were expected to be released Friday, July 10. However, Attorney Ben Crump said results were delayed due to issues transporting Wells’ body.

As theories circulate on social media, those close to Wells say they are waiting for the facts.

Tracestin Shepherd, a friend of Wells, said in an ABC interview: “I think everybody needs to let the investigation continue and let the facts be shown. And if the facts show that somebody harmed Nolan, I hope that there is justice brought. And if it was a tragic accident and somebody didn’t speak up, I still hope justice is brought… the facts is the only thing that’s going to overturn that. So that’s what I’m just waiting patiently to see before I think anything else. I just know I’ve lost my best friend.”

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