Sheriff provides new details on investigation into Nolan Wells’ death

PASCAGOULA, Miss. (WLOX/Gray News) - After many questions and immense public pressure, a Mississippi sheriff is speaking about the death investigation of 18-year-old Nolan Wells.

Jackson County Sheriff John Ledbetter said his department has conducted witness interviews and has been in contact with other agencies, including the FBI.

Ledbetter said tips from the public have played a role in the investigation’s progress.

“This recent week, we got a lot of valuable information that has come from the public. We put out a call to action last week for that information, and it has been very productive for us,” Ledbetter said.

Wells went missing during a July 4 trip to Horn Island in Mississippi.

Tracestin Shepherd, a friend of Wells, said in an ABC interview that their friend group had been drinking since the late morning after multiple boats carrying them arrived on Horn Island. The outing was planned as “one last hurrah” before returning to school or work after the holiday break.

Shepherd said that Wells remained on Horn Island after meeting a young woman earlier that day, while the others returned to the mainland by boat.

Two days later, Wells was found dead on the island.

Many have been awaiting the results of Wells’ autopsy. Toxicology testing is conducted by outside laboratories, and the analysis and review process can take several weeks.

A spokesperson for the Mississippi Department of Public Safety said, “Every case is unique and deserves a thorough review; therefore, cases cannot all be handled the same way or on the same timeline.”

Results from an independent autopsy commissioned by the Wells family were expected to be released Friday, July 10. However, attorney Ben Crump said results were delayed due to issues transporting Wells’ body.