Jackson County District Attorney Angel Myers McIlrath urged the public to allow investigators adequate time to complete a methodical probe into the death of 18-year-old Nolan Wells, stressing the need to protect the investigation's integrity. Wells disappeared after a July 4 boat trip to Horn Island and his body was recovered July 6; drowning is suspected. A private autopsy released by the family’s lawyer listed the cause and manner of death as "undetermined pending investigation." Officials say the investigation remains active and is following grand jury procedures.
Jackson County DA Urges Patience as Nolan Wells Investigation Continues
Jim Vondruska/Reuters - PHOTO: Lawyer announces autopsy results in Nolan Wells case
Jackson County District Attorney Angel Myers McIlrath is asking the public to allow investigators the time and space needed to complete a thorough inquiry into the death of 18-year-old Nolan Wells. In a social media post Thursday, McIlrath emphasized that careful, methodical work is required to protect the integrity of the case and ensure accurate conclusions.
"Our community is grieving the loss of Nolan Wells. Nolan's family deserves answers and our community deserves answers," McIlrath wrote. "Nolan's case is being handled the same way with the same care and the same commitment to the truth that we handle all death investigations. We are taking the time required to complete the work this investigation demands."
Investigation Process and Evidence
McIlrath said the inquiry is following the same grand jury procedures used in other death investigations in the county. She urged patience as investigators review evidence, pursue credible leads and analyze witness interviews in context.
"Every piece of evidence must be examined, every credible lead must be followed to its conclusion, every witness interview must be analyzed in context of all other evidence," McIlrath said. She added that limited public disclosures are intended to preserve the integrity of the investigative process, not to withhold facts.
Family Reaction and Private Autopsy
Wells' mother, Christine Wonsley, appealed to the public in a Facebook post, urging people to focus on the central question: what happened to her son. "People are focused on everything else but the original question which is WHAT HAPPENED TO OUR SON NOLAN WELLS! Please start asking that question," she wrote.
Family attorney Ben Crump announced that an independent, private autopsy preliminarily listed the cause and manner of death as "undetermined pending investigation," and noted multiple limitations in the report. Authorities have said the investigation remains active while forensic and other inquiries continue.
Timeline and Current Status
Authorities say Wells went missing July 4 after a boat trip with friends to Horn Island. Officials believe Wells remained on the island after his friends left. His body was recovered July 6; investigators have said drowning is suspected. Jackson County Sheriff John Ledbetter reported there was no initial indication of criminal activity but stressed that investigators are working to determine exactly what occurred.
The investigation is ongoing. Officials continue to examine evidence, interview witnesses and follow leads while relying on the grand jury process to guide any potential legal actions. ABC News' Sabina Ghebremedhin contributed to this report.
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