The family of Nolan Wells has retained famed civil rights attorney Ben Crump as the investigation into the Ocean Springs teenager’s disappearance and death continues.
The body of Wells was found on Horn Island Monday morning after the 18-year-old went missing when visiting the barrier island with friends on July 4. On Tuesday, Crump announced in a press release that he has taken the case to ensure a thorough and transparent investigation.
“Nolan Wells was a beloved son, teammate, and friend who went out to celebrate the Fourth of July and never came home,” Crump said. “His family deserves answers. They deserve the truth.”
“We will not rest until every fact about what happened to Nolan on Horn Island is brought into the light, and we call on investigators to pursue this case with the urgency and transparency this family deserves,” Crump continued.
Crump, whose firm is based in Tallahassee, Fla., has handled several high-profile civil rights cases, including those involving George Floyd and Breonna Taylor. In Mississippi, he is representing the families of Trey Reed, a Delta State student found hanging from a tree in September 2025, and Kohen Wiley, a 1-year-old killed in an officer-involved shooting in Senatobia last month.
The Jackson County Sheriff’s Department again went to the public on Tuesday, requesting any information that could aid investigators. Amid speculation circulating online, Sheriff John Ledbetter reiterated that his department is working tirelessly to find out what led to Wells’ death.
“We recognize that a significant amount of information, speculation, and commentary has been shared on social media and throughout the community,” Ledbetter said. “As with any investigation, our investigators are working to establish the facts through eyewitness accounts, physical evidence, and other reliable information.”
Wells’ body was transported to the Mississippi State Medical Examiner’s Office and underwent an autopsy Tuesday, but it is unclear when the results will be available. In the meantime, Ledbetter is asking anyone who saw Wells or was near Horn Island on July 4 to contact the sheriff’s department with any information about the following:
- Interactions with, sightings of, or statements about Wells.
- Original, unedited photos or videos taken on the northwest tip of Horn Island on July 4, particularly those depicting an alleged altercation or showing, or believed to show, Wells.
- Any argument, disturbance, or other unusual activity seen or heard while on the island that day.
With the investigation ongoing, the sheriff’s office is asking the public to refrain from sharing unverified information, warning that doing so could hinder the investigation.
“Our thoughts, prayers, and condolences remain with Nolan Wells’ family during this difficult time,” Ledbetter said. “We respectfully ask the public to extend compassion and privacy to his loved ones as investigators continue working diligently to determine exactly what occurred.”
Anyone with information about the events surrounding Wells’ death can call the Jackson County Sheriff’s Department at (228) 769-3065 during normal business hours or at (228) 769-3063 outside of business hours.
