MISSISSIPPI – Federal investigators are looking into threats aimed at people connected to the final hours of 18-year-old Nolan Wells, the Mississippi teen who disappeared over the Fourth of July holiday and was later found dead, according to a senior state law enforcement official.
Wells was last seen July 4 after going with friends on a boating trip to Horn Island, a barrier island located off Mississippi’s Gulf Coast.
A two-day search followed before a National Park Service ranger discovered his remains July 6 on the northwestern tip of the island.
Mississippi Department of Public Safety Commissioner Sean Tindell said Wednesday that the FBI is now investigating threats directed at public officials, the individuals who were with Wells before he vanished and members of their families.
Tindell discussed the matter during an appearance on Mississippi Public Broadcasting’s “The Sit Down,” hosted by Magnolia Tribune founder and CEO Russ Latino.
“I’m sure state law enforcement and the FBI is going to be very interested in investigating, so, you know, when you make those types of threats against public officials, against possible witnesses, and against, the, you know, the folks that are involved in this investigation and the family, then you are also, committing a criminal act, and that’s going to be taken very, very seriously,” Tindell said.
Tindell said misinformation surrounding Wells’ death has fueled “rage and emotion,” leading to an increase in calls to his office, including some he described as “direct threats.”
He added that he believes Wells’ mother, Christine Wonsley, has also been the target of threats.
Here’s the latest on the disappearance and death of Mississippi teen Nolan Wells:
“I can tell you, the FBI has reached out. They’re working in any capacity. They’ve offered a hand, in this case, to do anything that that’s needed from their end. But they’re also taking a serious look, at some of these threats that have come across, to public officials, to witnesses to the family, to anybody involved in this case,” Tindell said.
Tindell confirmed to Fox News Digital that such threats are being investigated.
“I can confirm that we have had threats made against DPS employees and those threats are being actively investigated. Some potential witnesses and their families have also received threats and those are being investigated as well,” he said.
The warning from one of Mississippi’s top public safety officials comes as national attention on the case has reached a fever pitch, with Rep. André Carson, D-Ind., accusing officials in Mississippi of not being transparent.
“Not only are [Nolan Wells’ family] suffering the unimaginable grief of losing a child, they’re not getting the truth, transparency, or accountability. Mississippi officials retained some of Nolan’s body parts, so yesterday’s independent autopsy leaves more questions unanswered,” Carson said.
As the speculation has grown, Mississippi’s top elected officials have begun pushing back publicly.
Republican Mississippi Gov. Tate Reeves told Fox News Digital in a statement that attorney Ben Crump and Al Sharpton are responsible for inciting the threats.
“Ben Crump and Al Sharpton are to blame for the threats. They are stoking division for personal gain. It’s sad to see, but not unexpected. This is how they’ve built their careers,” Reeves said.
“Jackson County law enforcement, the Mississippi Department of Public Safety, and the State Medical Examiner are conducting a thorough investigation. I’m confident they will follow the facts of the case, wherever that leads them. The state’s top prosecutor is also drawing a hard line.”
Mississippi Attorney General Lynn Fitch told Fox News Digital in a statement that her office will hold accountable anyone who threatens law enforcement working the case.
“I am proud of the professionalism with which our law enforcement, district attorney, and other local leaders are approaching this tragic case. During an open investigation, it is vital to the cause of justice that everyone respect the integrity of the process. Efforts to intimidate, disrupt, or interfere with the work of our law enforcement and prosecutors and threats to their well-being will be taken seriously and we will hold those who make them accountable. A bright young life has been lost and we extend our prayers to his family,” Fitch said.
During Wednesday’s news conference, Crump revealed that an area of “red discoloration” was found on Wells’ head, but said Dr. Roger Mitchell, who performed the autopsy, couldn’t come to a conclusion on a cause or manner of death “pending further investigation.”
An official autopsy into Wells’ death hasn’t been completed, but the revelation from Crump fueled even more speculation.
Wells’ friends returned to the mainland that July afternoon without him, but Jackson County Sheriff John Ledbetter previously said investigators believe Wells chose to stay on the island.
It wasn’t until later that night that his mother learned he was missing from one of Wells’ friends and reported it to authorities.
The FBI told Fox News Digital in a statement it’s working with local law enforcement to investigate the threats.
“From day one, we have been supporting Jackson County as they’ve worked to gather information and find answers for the Wells Family and the community. The FBI will remain ready to assist JCSO Investigators as they request our support, particularly when federal resources may expand their capacity to provide clarity and peace of mind for Nolan’s loved ones,” the agency said.
“At the federal level, the FBI has been working to address interstate threats that were received by individuals related to this matter, but these efforts are in parallel with Jackson County’s independent investigation.”
Fox News Digital has reached out to Crump and Sharpton for comment.
