The FBI is investigating a series of threats made against public officials, potential witnesses, and family members connected to the death of 18-year-old Nolan Wells in Mississippi, according to one of the state’s top law enforcement officials.
Wells vanished on July 4 after joining friends on a boating trip to Horn Island, a barrier island off Mississippi’s Gulf Coast. Search teams spent two days combing the area before a National Park Service ranger discovered his body on the island’s northwestern tip on July 6.
Mississippi Department of Public Safety Commissioner Sean Tindell confirmed that the FBI has become involved in examining threats directed at people who were with Wells in the hours before he disappeared, their relatives, public officials, and others connected to the investigation. Tindell discussed the matter during an appearance on Mississippi Public Broadcasting’s “The Sit Down,” hosted by Magnolia Tribune founder Russ Latino.
“I’m sure state law enforcement and the FBI is going to be very interested in investigating,” Tindell said. “When you make those types of threats against public officials, against possible witnesses, and against 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 “false information” circulating about the circumstances of Wells’ death has fueled public anger and led to a sharp increase in calls to his office, including what he described as direct threats. He also indicated that Wells’ mother, Christine Wonsley, has received threats related to the case.
“I can tell you, the FBI has reached out. They’re working in any capacity,” Tindell said. “They’ve offered a hand in this case to do anything 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.”
In a statement to Fox News Digital, Republican Gov. Tate Reeves placed blame for the threats on civil rights attorney Ben Crump and the Rev. Al Sharpton. “Ben Crump and Al Sharpton are to blame for the threats,” Reeves said. “They are stoking division for personal gain. It’s sad to see, but not unexpected. This is how they’ve built their careers.”
Reeves expressed confidence in the ongoing local investigation. “Jackson County law enforcement, the Mississippi Department of Public Safety, and the State Medical Examiner are conducting a thorough investigation,” he said. “I’m confident they will follow the facts of the case, wherever that leads them.”
Mississippi Attorney General Lynn Fitch said her office will hold accountable anyone who threatens law enforcement or attempts to interfere with the probe.
“I am proud of the professionalism with which our law enforcement, district attorney, and other local leaders are approaching this tragic case,” Fitch said. “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.”
Fitch added that a “bright young life has been lost” and extended prayers to Wells’ family.
