Just days after the family of 18-year-old Mississippi teen Nolan Wells asked for the FBI to investigate his death, the agency says local authorities got it right. But President Donald Trump appears to be leaving the door open.
It comes after a state grand jury declined to bring criminal charges last month. Jurors concluded that Wells’ death was “consistent with a drowning”. However, the state medical examiner and an independent pathologist ruled his cause and manner of death as undetermined.
The family and their legal team cite the independent autopsy conducted by Dr. Roger A. Mitchell Jr. that found “unexplained blunt-force injuries to the back of his head” as further cause for concern. They also point to no water being found in Wells’ lungs or stomach.
“DO NOT COME to my page and try to explain to me that, despite there being NO PHYSICAL EVIDENCE of a drowning/dry drowning in either autopsy report that I need to accept my child’s death and move on,” Wells’ mother, Christine Wells-Wonsley, wrote on Facebook. “MANNER AND CAUSE: UNDETERMINED!!!”
Despite the family’s concerns, the Department of Justice said that, in their view. there is no evidence of foul play or any crime, according to PEOPLE.
The agency added that federal officials assisted in the investigation and agreed with the determination of local authorities.
Meanwhile, when asked whether he was going to push the FBI to investigate Wells’ death, President Donald Trump told reporters on Wednesday that his administration was aware of the situation.
“Well, we’re looking at that. Yes, we are,” he said.
Ben Crumps says he sees the President’s response as a positive sign.
“Sunday will mark 100 days since we have been looking into the death of Nolan Wells, so when President Trump responds to news reporters that ‘we’re looking into it,’ we believe that carries more weight than the response given by the FBI,” he said in a statement.
“Our team stands ready to work with the federal government to ensure Nolan’s death is investigated to the fullest extent.” Crump continued.
Wells, an Ocean Springs resident and college student, disappeared during a Fourth of July boating trip to Horn Island. Authorities found his body two days later.
Those in Congress are also trying to help Wells’ family get answers. Florida Rep. Frederica Wilson recently sent a letter to Jessica Bowron, the acting Director of the National Park Service.
“I urge you to direct the National Park Service Investigative Services Branch (ISB), which investigates complex and sensitive cases throughout the National Park System, to examine every circumstance surrounding Nolan’s death and pursue every available lead,” she wrote.
It remains unclear what comes next for Wells’ family following the FBI’s decision. Atlanta Black Star reached out to Crump for comment and is awaiting a response.
ABS Assistant news editor Morgan Bridgeman contributed to the writing and reporting of this story.
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