Major Update: Nolan Wells’ family attorney confirms a crucial aut0psy development after a $125,000 reward was offered to identify the suspect in the mysterious island k!lling
NOLAN Wells’ family is set to receive a major update in his mysterious death as their lawyer prepares to reveal the findings of an independent autopsy.
The announcement comes after a reward swelled to $125,000 for information leading to an arrest and conviction as loved ones continue demanding answers over the 18-year-old’s death.
Civil rights attorney Ben Crump, who represents the teen’s family, will release the preliminary autopsy findings during a Wednesday morning news conference at the 117th NAACP National Convention in Chicago.
Nolan’s parents, Christine Wonsley and Elmore Wonsley, are expected to join Crump as the family’s legal team shares what will be the first public medical findings in the case.
The independent examination was arranged by the family and Crump after the Mississippi State Medical Examiner’s Office carried out its own autopsy but has yet to release its results.
Former NFL quarterback Colin Kaepernick paid for the second autopsy, which Crump previously said would determine whether Nolan “had any physical injuries to his body beyond drowning.”
On Tuesday, Crump confirmed the announcement in a post on X.
He wrote: “Tomorrow, I will join the family of Nolan Xavier Wells at the 117th NAACP National Convention to announce the preliminary findings of the independent autopsy conducted on their behalf.
“As this family continues to seek answers, we remain committed to pursuing the truth and demanding a full and transparent investigation into Nolan’s death.”
The update comes just two days after Nolan was laid to rest in his hometown of Ocean Springs following an emotional funeral led by Rev. Al Sharpton.
During the service, Sharpton urged witnesses to come forward, saying: “He was not on that island by himself.
“Somebody saw something and knows something. So I didn’t come to make money. I came to give money. Stand up and tell the truth.”
A reward has since climbed to $125,000 after Sharpton and filmmaker Tyler Perry initially pledged $100,000, with former NFL star Terrell Owens adding another $25,000 on Tuesday.
Earlier reports said Sharpton had separately offered $50,000 through the National Action Network before the total reward increased.
The case has drawn nationwide attention, with the NAACP adopting a resolution calling on local, state and federal authorities, including the Department of Justice, to conduct what it described as an in-depth and transparent investigation.
Nolan Wells disappeared after traveling by boat with friends to Horn Island, a barrier island off Mississippi’s Gulf Coast, on July 4.
Authorities said he did not return to the mainland with the rest of the group, and his body was found floating near the island two days later.
Jackson County Sheriff John Ledbetter has said initial interviews suggested Wells chose to remain on the island because he believed he could get a ride back with someone else.
He has also said the friends have cooperated with investigators and that the investigation remains ongoing.
“We are trying to be respectful and collaborative as much as we can,” Crump said.
“But it’s always troublesome to all of us when these investigations just take forever.”
The mystery surrounding Wells’ death has also fuelled intense online speculation.
His self-described “best friend,” Warren Hudson, who was on the July 4 boat trip, broke his silence this week to deny internet rumours accusing him of involvement.
“It’s a sick world we’re living in,” Hudson told the New York Post.
“It’s terrible. Nolan was my best friend.
“There’s no facts out, just a lot of rumors. That’s just how the internet is today. That’s really it, it’s horrible.”
Hudson’s mother, Ashlee Cole, previously said Wells “made a decision to stay on the island and return inland later with another group of friends,” after the group’s boat experienced problems with its bilge pump.
She also said her son had cooperated fully with investigators.
Authorities have not announced an official cause or manner of death, and the official autopsy findings have still not been released.
