The family of Nolan Wells, an 18-year-old Mississippi college student who went missing and was later found dead following a July 4th boat trip to Horn Island, met with Jackson County District Attorney Angel Myers McIlrath on Wednesday to discuss the ongoing investigation into his death.
Following the meeting, attorneys for the family stated that while the session was “very respectful,” the family is “still left with questions.” The meeting marked the first official sit-down between the family and the District Attorney since Wells’ body was discovered off the coast of the island two days after he was last seen by friends.
The Disappearance and Recovery
Nolan Wells, a rising sophomore and football player at Southwest Mississippi Community College, traveled to Horn Island with a group of friends on July 4, 2026, to celebrate the holiday. According to Jackson County Sheriff John Ledbetter, Wells traveled to the island with his friends but did not return to the mainland with them that afternoon. He was last seen on the island at 3 p.m.
GPS data from the Mississippi Department of Marine Resources tracks the boat’s movements throughout the day. The vessel departed the mainland at 9:56 a.m. and arrived at Horn Island at 11:14 a.m. The data shows the boat departed the island at 4:31 p.m. and returned to its original dock. Later that evening, the boat was moved to the Fort Bayou boat launch and eventually towed to the residence of the boat’s owners.
The mother of one of Wells’ friends reportedly claimed that Wells stayed behind on the island due to a mechanical issue with the boat. However, Wells’ parents, Christine and Elmore Wonsley, have expressed disbelief that their son—who they described as a good swimmer and someone who always stayed with his group—would have chosen to remain on the island alone.
Wells’ body was discovered on July 6 off the coast of the island. Jackson County Coroner Bruce Lynd confirmed the identity via dental records. An autopsy was performed on July 7, but results were not immediately made public. The family has since flown the remains to Washington, D.C., for an independent autopsy.
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Investigation and Legal Process
The investigation into Wells’ death is currently being led by the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office. District Attorney Angel Myers McIlrath noted that the meeting with the family was intended to offer victim services and explain the legal process.
According to the District Attorney’s office, once the Sheriff’s Office completes its investigation, the case will be presented to a grand jury, which is standard procedure for unnatural or suspicious deaths in Jackson County. McIlrath will ultimately decide if the death is a prosecutable crime, though any such decision must wait until the investigation concludes.
Attorney Ben Crump, representing the family, emphasized the need for a “zealous” investigation. “We know that in America, in the South, certain people are investigated differently,” Crump said. “We were very honest and candid with the district attorney, and she was honest and candid with us.”
Evidence and Ongoing Inquiries
The investigation is currently scrutinizing several pieces of evidence, including Wells’ mobile phone. Crump stated that his team and Jackson County investigators are conducting a “mutual inspection” of the device.
The family has raised concerns regarding the phone, with Christine Wonsley stating that they found no Snapchat videos on his account, describing the lack of activity as “suspicious.” Additionally, Crump has claimed that video footage exists showing a heated argument shortly before the teen went missing, in which Wells can be heard saying, “Give me my freaking phone, what are you freaking doing?”
Sheriff Ledbetter has stated that, as of now, nothing in the evidence points to foul play, and he has urged the public to be patient as the investigation continues. The Sheriff’s Office remains the primary agency for the case, while the DA’s office serves as the line of communication for the family.
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