Demonstrators call for answers in Nolan Wells death investigation
GULFPORT, Miss. (WXXV) — Three weeks after Nolan Wells’ death, supporters gathered in Gulfport at Jones Park under the Barksdale Pavilion on Sunday to walk for justice, as the investigation surrounding his death continues.
Organizers called for the FBI to get involved in the investigation, as information continues to circulate online.
“Now we really have questions. We want an investigation. We want transparency, and we want clarity, but I don’t think we can receive that from the state of Mississippi. I don’t think we can receive that from the people here in Ocean Springs, Mississippi, so I am calling on the Federal Bureau of Investigations to look into this entity, and to do the work for us. We can’t go off of theories. We can only go off of facts,” said Ms. Celina Charles, an event organizer. “We’re not gonna let it die. We’re gonna stay on top of ya’ll necks. We’re gonna stay showing up. We’re not letting it die.”
Those in attendance held signs — some reading “Say His Name,” “Justice For Nolan,” and “We Want Answers.” Even a child held a poster that read “Am I Next?”
Among the crowd was Ward 3 Gulfport City Councilwoman Ella Holmes-Hines and Harrison County Commissioner Christene Brice, each calling for answers in the 18-year-old Ocean Springs teen’s death.
“What does justice look like? Justice looks like you have answers. Justice looks like you have facts. Justice looks like you have piece of mind that everything you have been told can be verified by facts. That’s what the family deserves. That’s what the family needs. Therefore, we lift up our voice because injustice anywhere is injustice everywhere,” said Councilwoman Holmes-Hines.
Supporters say through this demonstration they are standing with the Wells-Wonsley family in search of the truth.
“It’s not just about black and white. It’s about everybody coming together to try to find the truth of what’s going on right now, because it’s a tragedy. It’s a tragedy that should have never happened, and we just wanna know what’s going on,” said Bobby Price, an event attendee.
“We’re looking for answers. I mean, the family needs answers, and it has divided the community. We have divided our community now. At first it was ‘Pray for Nolan’s family,’ then when he was found it was ‘Pray for Nolan’s family.’ Then, as soon as Ben Crump and Al Sharpton got here, then a divide came, and people blaming it on them, but true Mississippians would still be looking for answers for Nolan’s family,” said Larryetta Laneaux, an event attendee. “We need answers, we need timelines, we need the last person, we need some simple answers so his mom can get some peace, his parents get some rest. They can’t rest. They’ll never rest until they figure out what happened to their son.”
Organizers are also calling on Mississippi Governor Tate Reeves and other state elected officials to take a closer look at the matter and dig deeper to find answers.
“I have a message for Governor Tate Reeves. Having questions is not violence. It’s not a case of ‘We want to scramble at each other and fight.’ No. We have the question in mind – what happened to Nolan Wells? So, if he wants to make up any accusations or anything, I will say the person that’s putting that out there is him. So, I would ask him to actually find out what happened to Nolan Wells,” said Charles. “Put pressure on these people and find out what happened to this child. That’s all we wanna know.”
Gov. Tate Reeves has previously expressed confidence in the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office and the MDPS investigators handling the Nolan Wells case. You can read his comments on ‘X’ and other official statements by clicking here.
