Congressional Black Caucus Urges 7-Day DOJ Review of Nolan Wells Death on Federal Island
Updated
Updated · USA TODAY · Aug 14
Congressional Black Caucus Urges 7-Day DOJ Review of Nolan Wells Death on Federal Island
3 articles · Updated · USA TODAY · Aug 14
Summary
A CBC letter sent Aug. 12 asks Attorney General Todd Blanche and FBI Director Kash Patel to conduct an independent review of 18-year-old Nolan Wells' disappearance and death and reply within seven days.
Lawmakers cited more than 30 days of unanswered questions and limited transparency, arguing federal involvement could add resources and assess possible civil-rights issues because Horn Island is federally managed National Park Service land.
Wells, a Southwest Mississippi Community College football player, vanished after a July 4 boat trip to Horn Island; his body was found two days later, no charges have been filed, and both state and private autopsies have not produced a public cause of death.
Local authorities say the case will go to a grand jury after the sheriff's investigation, while the Justice Department said it received the CBC letter and is reviewing it carefully.
The case has drawn national attention and online threats—three people have been federally charged over alleged threats tied to the investigation—as Wells' family and supporters press for answers and plan an Aug. 19 day of prayer.