Friend of missing teen Nolan Wells denies rumors of involvement in his death
Warren Hudson, who was on the July 4 boat trip with Nolan Wells before the teenager vanished, said rumors blaming him are unfounded, while family members and officials continue the investigation.
Warren Hudson, identified by the family as Nolan Wells' close friend, told reporters on Tuesday that circulating rumors accusing him of responsibility for the 18-year-old's death are baseless. Hudson said the online speculation has been "hurtful" and emphasized that no factual evidence has been presented.
According to a statement released by Hudson's mother, Ashlee Cole, a Jackson County judge, the group returned to the mainland after their boat experienced a bilge-pump failure. Cole said Nolan chose to stay on Horn Island and planned to travel back later with another group of friends. She denied allegations that her family was obstructing the investigation and confirmed her son had cooperated fully with police.
Wells disappeared during the trip to Horn Island, ten miles off Mississippi's Gulf Coast, and his body was recovered two days later. The investigation continues, with a $125,000 reward offered jointly by Rev. Al Sharpton, filmmaker Tyler Perry and former NFL player Terrell Owens for information leading to an arrest.
Family attorney Ben Crump is expected to release preliminary findings from an independent autopsy at the upcoming NAACP National Convention in Chicago.