‘Not how I wanted the world to meet my son’: Parents of Nolan Wells speak out for first time since teen’s death

On Friday, the family of Nolan Wells spoke out for the first time since the death of their son.

Christine and Elmore Wonsley shared stories of their son and new details on events that transpired before and after he was reported missing.

“This is, but here we are,” said Christine Wonsley.

By the Wonsley’s side were Attorney Ben Crump and National Action Network President Rev. Al Sharpton, who say the details just aren’t adding up.

“You have where a young woman he was talking to says that, well, Nolan said he was going back to get on the boat with the boys. The boys say that Nolan told them he was going to stay and talk to the young woman. It’s a contradiction,” said Crump.

Another thing that raises an alarm for the family is the fact that Wells was left on the island without his phone as it was allegedly brought back to the mainland on his friend’s boat. Wells’ father says it’s hard to believe their son would choose to stay on Horn Island.

“It’s just not in his character,” said Elmore Wonsley.

One point of confusion is a video from the island on the fourth of July that seems to show an argument. Crump alleges that Wells can be heard in the video.
However, an eyewitness shared information with WXXV News stating otherwise.

“You hear on the video, Nolan says, give me my freaking phone. What are you freaking doing,” said Crump.

Crump says Wells’ mother was able to obtain the phone, and she went through it, checking his Snapchat account.

“When we opened it up there was nothing. There were no saved pictures there were no snaps from the day,” said Christine.

It was odd as Wells’ was often on the app, according to his mom.

“That’s why we feel things may have been deleted was because of the fact there was nothing in either one of his accounts,” she said.

Christine had a final plea to those who plan to protest for her son.

“If you do, please be peaceful. He really didn’t even like arguments. So don’t go out there trying to be tough. Just think about what Nolan would want,” she said.

At this time, funeral arrangements have not been announced.
Sharpton says he will be officiating the funeral right here in Mississippi. He also says entertainer Tyler Perry has agreed to help with funeral expenses.

Crump says that former NFL quarterback Colin Kaepernick helped pay for an independent autopsy, which was completed in Washington D.C.