Christine Wonsley, mother of Nolan Wells, revealed that she and her husband received anonymous hate mail featuring a defaced photo of their legal team. As they prepare to celebrate their son’s life, the family faces hostile correspondence from an unknown sender.
Nolan Wells, a wide receiver for Southwest Mississippi Community College, disappeared during a July Fourth trip to Horn Island, 10 miles off the Mississippi Gulf Coast. His friends claimed Wells stayed behind to catch a ride with another group. However, Wells’ phone and keys were later found on their boat. His body surfaced on July 6 near the island’s northwestern tip.
Wonsley shared an image of a threatening letter she received, postmarked from Denver on July 15. The sender defaced a photograph from an Associated Press conference held by civil rights leader Reverend Al Sharpton and family attorney Ben Crump. Arrows and dollar signs were marked next to their faces, with Wonsley appearing in the middle of the image.
“Whoever sent this to my home, may the good Lord have mercy on your soul,” Wonsley expressed in her post. “Having the audacity to send this but not enough courage to disclose a return address. We’re dealing with this behavior as grieving parents questioning what happened to our son while accepting the assistance needed for answers.”
Funeral Details
A funeral for Nolan Wells is planned at the Center Pointe Church in Ocean Springs, Mississippi. Visitation is from 9-11 a.m. local time; Al Sharpton will deliver the eulogy, and Ben Crump will present a “Call to Justice.” The service offers an opportunity for family, friends, and community to honor Nolan’s memory.
A GoFundMe for the family surpassed $735,000, including $100,000 from BuzzFeed CEO Byron Allen.
Investigation Update
The FBI’s Jackson Field Office is aiding the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office with parts of the investigation and probing “interstate threats” related to those involved. Initially, the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office didn’t suspect foul play, pending official autopsy results as they await toxicology reports.
However, Crump and the family challenge the idea Wells voluntarily stayed on the island. Video evidence shows Wells demanding his phone back, raising doubts about witness statements. Crump dispels the narrative given by friends and highlights inconsistencies in their accounts.
A friend, Tracestin Shepherd, stated he was heard in the video, not Wells. Shepherd mentioned an altercation involving him, with Wells not visible in the footage.
Crump highlighted racial dynamics, noting Wells was one of few Black individuals among 200 people on the island during the celebration. Crump stated, “Our lived experiences necessitate questioning everyone’s role, law enforcement’s role.” An independent autopsy funded by Colin Kaepernick’s Know Your Rights Camp and funeral expenses covered by filmmaker Tyler Perry further assist the family in seeking clarity.
Following discussions with Jackson County District Attorney Angel Myers McIlrath, a grand jury will review the completed death investigation. A grand jury examines evidence to decide if sufficient probable cause exists for criminal charges.
Emergency audio from July 4 documents chaos, capturing a distress call around 4 p.m. due to a pump failure near Horn Island. This incident occurred an hour after Wells was last reportedly seen by friends, before their boat returned to shore. Though it doesn’t clarify Wells’ fate, the audio offers insight into the chaotic circumstances of his disappearance.
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