‘We’re in a ferocious search for the truth’: Nolan Wells’ family continues to seek answers weeks after the teen’s death

OCEAN SPRINGS, Miss. (WXXV)- The family of Nolan Wells and their legal team spoke out after the Ocean Springs teen’s funeral and shared where the investigation into his death stands.
Weeks after Wells’ body was found, his family is still seeking answers.

“We’re in a ferocious search for the truth, and we know there were hundreds of people on Horn Island,” said Attorney Ben Crump.

The family’s legal team is calling for the search for truth to intensify and for transparency.

“The autopsy, you know, we’re waiting for it. It shouldn’t take that long. We want those answers. Transparency is giving complete equity to this family. A fair and thorough, impartial investigation where we know that due process was respected every step of the way. Many have questions, and so we are trying to be respectful and collaborative as much as we can. We hope that they will give the same to us,” said Crump.

During the funeral, Reverend Al Sharpton offered a reward of $50,000 for anyone that can provide information that Sharpton says “will lead to an arrest and a conviction in the case of what happened.” He also says entertainer Tyler Perry agreed to give an additional $50,000.

“He was not on that island by himself; somebody saw something and knows something. So, I didn’t come to make money. I came to give money. Stand up and tell the truth. Whatever it is, good or bad. We’re not going to prejudge it, but we cannot end it until we know all the facts,” said Sharpton.

Crump says the videos, photos, and information from eyewitnesses will help them ensure that the evidence presented to the grand jury is accurate. The truth is what Crump says they are fighting for.

“We want the truth. No matter who it implicates or exonerates, we want justice no matter who it acquits or convicts. So, we know they’re telling two different stories. You know, the boy’s telling one story, Katie is telling one story. What is the truth,” he said.

As for the independent autopsy, Crump says he hopes to have the findings sooner rather than later, but he says they want the results from the state medical examiner’s office first, since it had the body closer to the time of death.
Crump says the doctor conducting the independent autopsy received the body almost 6 days later, so he says there are limitations. However, he is getting his report together.