Overview
- Nolan Xavier Wells, 18, went missing after a boat trip to Horn Island on July 4 and a body matching his description was recovered near the island on Monday, July 6 and later confirmed by family and dental records.
- Jackson County officials say the investigation is ongoing, that there is no current evidence indicating foul play, and that an official autopsy has been completed with toxicology and final results still pending.
- Wells’ family retained civil rights attorney Ben Crump, arranged a separate autopsy in Washington, D.C., and say they will push for full records after reporting deleted messages on his returned phone and other perceived inconsistencies.
- The family and Crump cite bystander video and witness accounts of an altercation involving Wells, and investigators have asked the public for unedited photos, video and witness statements while saying friends who were on the trip are cooperating.
- The case has drawn national attention and support from civil-rights leaders and public figures, raising questions about transparency in the probe and likely extending public scrutiny as official forensic tests continue.