Ben Crump, Maxine Waters renew call for federal investigation into death of Nolan Wells

INGLEWOOD, Calif. (WXXV)— Civil rights attorney Ben Crump, U.S. Rep. Maxine Waters and leaders from the National Asian Pacific American Women’s Forum (NAPAWF) are set to join the family of Nolan Wells on Monday to renew calls for a federal investigation into the 18-year-old Mississippi student’s death.

The news conference is scheduled for noon Pacific Time at the Center of Hope in Inglewood, California.

Wells, an Ocean Springs, Mississippi, resident and college student, disappeared during a Fourth of July boating trip to Horn Island. His body was discovered two days later. Authorities have not officially determined either the cause or manner of his death.

According to organizers of the event, an independent autopsy conducted by Dr. Roger A. Mitchell Jr. identified unexplained blunt-force injuries to the back of Wells’ head, raising additional questions for the family and their supporters.

Joining Crump and Waters at the news conference will be Wells’ parents, Christine and Elmore Wells-Wonsley, as well as Cynthia Choi, executive director of Stop AAPI Hate.

The renewed call for federal involvement comes after a Mississippi grand jury declined to bring criminal charges in the case. Supporters argue that unanswered questions surrounding the circumstances of Wells’ death warrant further review by federal authorities.

In a statement released ahead of Monday’s event, NAPAWF Executive Director Christina Baal-Owens said the family continues to seek answers.

“How long must parents wait for answers around the death of their son?” Baal-Owens said. “The family of 18-year-old Nolan Wells has endured an unimaginable loss while still being left without the simple truth about what happened to him.”

Baal-Owens called on the U.S. Department of Justice and the Federal Bureau of Investigation to conduct an independent review of the case, provide clarity regarding federal investigative efforts and ensure information that can legally be released is made available to the family.

“Nolan’s life mattered, and his family deserves answers,” she said. “We will continue to say his name and make sure he is not forgotten in the pursuit for justice.”

The event is expected to focus on the family’s ongoing push for transparency and accountability as they continue seeking answers about the circumstances surrounding Nolan Wells’ death.