Family of Black teen missing on Mississippi island to inspect cellphone with prosecutor

Attorneys for the family of Nolan Wells, a 19-year-old Black teenager who disappeared during a July 4 boat trip to Horn Island off the Mississippi coast, said they will work with District Attorney Angel Myers McIlrath’s office to examine the contents of Wells’ cellphone. The cooperation comes as the investigation into his death moves toward a grand-jury review.

"The hope is when this is presented to the grand jury, all relevant witnesses and evidence will be presented to them, so we can have a fair and impartial investigation into the death of Nolan Wells," attorney Ben Crump said.

Wells was reported missing after failing to return to his friends around 3 p.m. on July 4. His body was recovered the following day in waters near the uninhabited island, which is a popular gathering spot accessible only by boat. Authorities have said they do not suspect foul play, but an official autopsy is still pending.

The family alleges that messages may have been erased from the phone before it was returned, and they retrieved the device from a friend’s home using a locator app. Crump indicated that an expert will be hired to attempt data recovery, and the process will proceed in coordination with the prosecutor’s office.

Legal scholar Ronald Rychlak noted that most felony cases in Mississippi are presented to a grand jury, which typically consists of 15 to 25 citizens who decide whether there is sufficient evidence for indictment. He added that joint inspection of evidence by police and the victim’s family is uncommon but could expedite the investigation.

The case has drawn national attention, with the Congressional Black Caucus calling for an independent investigation and public figures such as Tyler Perry and Colin Kaepernick contributing to funeral and autopsy costs. Wells’ mother, Christine Wonsley, said the upcoming funeral will celebrate his life rather than focus on mourning.