Nolan Wells’ 19th birthday is on Aug. 19. But instead of celebrating with their son, Christine and Elmore Wonsley are in mourning after he was found dead on Horn Island, 10 miles off the Mississippi Gulf Coast, on Independence Day weekend.
During an appearance at the 2026 National Association of Black Journalists Convention in Atlanta, Georgia, on Thursday, the grieving parents acknowledged that grappling with their son’s death is becoming more difficult.
“That realization is really sinking in, that we don’t have our son physically here anymore,” said Wells’ mother, Christine Wonsley. “Our lives have forever changed. This new normal is something I would never wish on anyone, not even my worst enemy.”
Attorney Ben Crump, the Rev. Al Sharpton and others joined the Wells family during a press conference on Thursday morning to urge FBI Director Kash Patel to launch a full federal investigation into Wells’ death.
A park ranger found 18-year-old Wells’ body on Horn Island two days after Wonsley and a friend reported him missing to authorities on the evening of July 4. Authorities have not concluded whether any foul play led to Wells’ death.
Wells’ official autopsy results have not been released. An independent autopsy the family ordered previously found Wells’ cause and manner of death undetermined.
Members of the Congressional Black Caucus issued a letter to Patel and U.S. Attorney General Todd Blanche on Wednesday, urging the U.S. Department of Justice to launch an “independent federal review” of the circumstances surrounding Nolan Wells’ death and determine “whether there is a basis for a federal investigation, including under applicable civil rights laws.”
‘Your Investigation Will Be Investigated’
U.S. House Rep. Lucy McBath, D-Ga., a member of the Congressional Black Caucus, reiterated the caucus’ demand for “a full federal investigation as to what has actually happened to Nolan Wells” during the NABJ Convention on Thursday. She said the Congressional Black Caucus has given the FBI “seven days to respond.”
McBath, whose 17-year-old son, Jordan Davis, was shot and killed in 2012, said this case has brought back personal memories for her.
“This brings back so many vivid memories for me and my own family, having lost Jordan to unnecessary gun violence in November 2012, Black Friday, simply because he was Black and playing loud music in his car,” McBath said.
Rev. Al Sharpton said he and Crump’s team will continue to demand the truth from law enforcement until Nolan Wells’ family receives answers on the circumstances of his death and emphasized the importance of a thorough review of the facts at the federal level.
“ I wanna say to people in Mississippi, whatever investigation you come with, once we have a fair and balanced government, your investigation will be investigated. It will not end with what they say in Mississippi,” Sharpton said.
‘We Defend the First Amendment’
Liza Park, an attorney at Ben Crump Law, said the Wells family legal team is still awaiting communication from Jackson County District Attorney Angel McIlrath on when a joint investigation of Wells’ cell phone will take place. Crump’s team and the DA’s office previously agreed to a mutual inspection after a conversation on July 15, 2026.
Crump also addressed defamation cease and desist letters that have been sent out to content creators who have spoken on the Wells’ case, noting a distinct difference between “knowingly spreading false information and asking questions.”
“We defend the First Amendment rights of content creators reporting on Nolan Wells’ case,” Crump said. “We stand with content creators, independent journalists, and citizens who are responsibly reporting on the Nolan Wells case and asking legitimate questions in pursuit of truth and accountability.”
Crump said a prayer vigil led by Jamal Bryant will be held on Wells’ birthday in remembrance of his life and urged all who are able to attend. The vigil is scheduled to take place at 7 p.m. on Aug. 19 at Greater St. John AME Church, located at 551 Division St. Biloxi, Mississippi. There will be other vigils held throughout the country, including one at Martha’s Vineyard in Massachusetts.
Follow the Mississippi Free Press’ coverage of the Nolan Wells case and read past stories here.
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