Latest details in Nolan Wells death investigation; Autopsy still pending
SOUTH MISSISSIPPI (WXXV) — New questions are emerging in the investigation into 18-year-old Ocean Springs native Nolan Wells’ death, as the family moves forward with funeral plans and seeks answers about what happened on horn island.
In a new update regarding funeral services for Wells, the Mississippi Coast Coliseum and Convention Center says the Wells family has decided not to hold funeral services at the facility. The announcement comes after reports on Monday indicated the coliseum commission board had approved the venue for the services.
As noted in a statement provided to WXXV on Tuesday, Coast Coliseum and Convention Center Executive Director Sam Voisin says that after meeting with representatives of the Wells family, they support the family’s decision to not hold the funeral services at the convention center on July 20.
Voisin also says they appreciate the opportunity to have worked with the family during the process, and their thoughts and prayers are with the family as they continue making arrangements to celebrate Nolan Wells’ life.
Nolan’s mother, Christine Wonsley took to social media, stating that all official information regarding Wells’ funeral and repass will be posted on her social accounts and through a press release from her legal team. We will provide updates when additional information is made available.
In regards to the Wells-Wonsley family’s legal representatives, WXXV has reached out to Ben Crump’s team seeking clarification and information surrounding statements made by the notable civil rights attorney and his team.
Some of those questions are in reference to a video circulating of an alleged argument on Horn Island on July 4th. Crump stated in a press conference held in New York on July 10, that Wells could be heard shouting in the video. However, an eyewitness shared information with WXXV News stating otherwise.
“You hear on the video, Nolan saying, ‘Give me my freaking phone. What are you freaking doing?’” said Crump.
WXXV has also asked Crump’s team for verification on claims that photos and messages may have been deleted from Nolan’s phone.
“My sister and I actually went through Nolan’s cellphone, particularly Snapchat, because that is so popular with the children. When we opened it up there was nothing. There were no saved pictures, there were no snaps from the day, and we did open it before the 24-hour expiration,” said Christine Wonsley, Wells’ mother. “That’s why we feel things may have been deleted was because of the fact there was nothing in either one of his accounts.”
Additionally, WXXV has inquired about the results of the independent autopsy, but we have not yet heard back from Crump’s team.
In regards to the autopsy performed at the Mississippi State Medical Examiner’s Office, WXXV has filed a public records request with the Department of Public Safety. We’ve also asked when that report will be made public, but have not heard back.
Jackson County Coroner Bruce Lynd Jr. says the coroner’s officer is waiting for the the toxicology report to be returned to the State Medical Examiner’s Office before the full autopsy report can be completed. The coroner says the toxicology report is being expedited and that he hopes it comes in this week.
As the investigation continues, questions remain about the events leading up to Nolan Wells’ death and whether additional evidence could help provide answers for his family. WXXV will continue to follow this story and bring you the latest on air and online.
