Governor Accuses Activists of Fomenting Division in Nolan Wells Case Amid FBI Threat Investigation

MISSISSIPPI – A wave of threats targeting individuals connected to the final moments of Nolan Wells’ life has prompted the FBI to launch a full-scale investigation, according to a leading state law enforcement official. The Mississippi teen’s disappearance and untimely death have drawn widespread attention and concern.

Eighteen-year-old Wells mysteriously vanished on July 4th during a boating excursion with friends to Horn Island, situated off the Gulf Coast of Mississippi. Authorities dedicated two intense days to search operations before a ranger from the National Park Service discovered Wells’ body on the remote island’s northwestern edge on July 6th.

Sean Tindell, Commissioner of the Mississippi Department of Public Safety, announced on Wednesday that the FBI is focusing on threats made against government officials, individuals who were with Wells shortly before his disappearance, and their families. Tindell discussed the developments while speaking with Magnolia Tribune’s Founder and CEO Russ Latino during an episode of “The Sit Down” on Mississippi Public Broadcasting.

“State law enforcement and the FBI will undoubtedly scrutinize these threats,” emphasized Tindell. “Threatening public officials, potential witnesses, and those involved in this investigation, including the family, constitutes a criminal offense, and authorities intend to address it with utmost seriousness.”

Tindell said “false information” shared about Wells’ death has incited “rage and emotion” that has led to a higher level of calls coming into his office, some of which are “direct threats.” Tindell said he believes Wells’ mother, Christine Wonsley, has also received threats.

“I can tell you, the FBI has reached out. They’re working in any capacity. They’ve offered a hand, in this case, to do anything that that’s needed from their end. But they’re also taking a serious look, at some of these threats that have come across, to public officials, to witnesses to the family, to anybody involved in this case,” Tindell said.

The warning from one of Mississippi’s top public safety officials comes as national attention on the case has reached a fever pitch, with Rep. André Carson, D-Ind., accusing officials in Mississippi of not being transparent.

“Not only are [Nolan Wells’ family] suffering the unimaginable grief of losing a child, they’re not getting the truth, transparency, or accountability. Mississippi officials retained some of Nolan’s body parts, so yesterday’s independent autopsy leaves more questions unanswered,” Carson said.

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As the speculation has grown, Mississippi’s top elected officials have begun pushing back publicly.

Republican Mississippi Gov. Tate Reeves told News Media in a statement that attorney Ben Crump and Al Sharpton are responsible for inciting the threats.

“Ben Crump and Al Sharpton are to blame for the threats. They are stoking division for personal gain. It’s sad to see, but not unexpected. This is how they’ve built their careers,” Reeves said. “Jackson County law enforcement, the Mississippi Department of Public Safety, and the State Medical Examiner are conducting a thorough investigation. I’m confident they will follow the facts of the case, wherever that leads them. The state’s top prosecutor is also drawing a hard line.”

Mississippi Attorney General Lynn Fitch told News Media in a statement that her office will hold accountable anyone who threatens law enforcement working the case.

“I am proud of the professionalism with which our law enforcement, district attorney, and other local leaders are approaching this tragic case. During an open investigation, it is vital to the cause of justice that everyone respect the integrity of the process. Efforts to intimidate, disrupt, or interfere with the work of our law enforcement and prosecutors and threats to their well-being will be taken seriously and we will hold those who make them accountable. A bright young life has been lost and we extend our prayers to his family,” Fitch said.

During Wednesday’s news conference, Crump revealed that an area of “red discoloration” was found on Wells’ head, but said Dr. Roger Mitchell, who performed the autopsy, couldn’t come to a conclusion on a cause or manner of death “pending further investigation.” An official autopsy into Wells’ death hasn’t been completed, but the revelation from Crump fueled even more speculation.

Wells’ friends returned to the mainland that July afternoon without him, but Jackson County Sheriff John Ledbetter previously said investigators believe Wells chose to stay on the island. It wasn’t until later that night that his mother learned he was missing from one of Wells’ friends and reported it to authorities.

News Media has reached out to Crump, Sharpton and the FBI for comment.