Congressional Black Caucus Urges DOJ to Review Nolan Wells Case
Lawmakers, family and civil rights leaders are demanding a federal review into the death of the 18-year-old Mississippi teen found dead after a Fourth of July boat trip.
The Congressional Black Caucus is urging the Department of Justice to launch a federal review into the death of 18-year-old Nolan Wells, a Mississippi teenager who went missing on the Fourth of July.
Lawmakers, Wells' family and their supporters announced the request Thursday at a press conference during the National Association of Black Journalists Convention in Atlanta. Rep. Lucy McBath, D-Ga., appeared alongside Wells' family, their attorney Ben Crump and Rev. Al Sharpton to demand an "independent federal review of the circumstances surrounding the disappearance and death" of Wells.
"We're demanding a full federal investigation as to what has actually happened to Nolan Wells," McBath said. "All of our children's and our families' lives matter, and we must fight back." McBath's own son, Jordan Davis, was killed in 2012 in Florida; his killer is serving a life sentence.
Sharpton voiced skepticism about the current Justice Department's willingness to act, recalling that civil rights advocates historically could turn to federal authorities when state investigations fell short, "even under George Bush."
The DOJ confirmed to ABC News that it received the CBC's letter and is reviewing it.
Wells disappeared after a boat trip with friends to Horn Island, a barrier island about 10 miles off the Gulf Coast. His body was recovered several days later. No one has been charged.
Once the Jackson County Sheriff's Department completes its investigation, the case will go to a grand jury, which will determine whether a crime occurred. The state's autopsy findings have not been released. A private autopsy commissioned by the family found the cause and manner of death "undetermined pending investigation."
Sheriff John Ledbetter has said there was no initial indication of a crime but that investigators are working to determine what happened.
Crump said the family plans a national day of prayer for Wells on August 19, what would have been his 19th birthday. Wells' mother, Christine Wonsley, said the approaching birthday has made the loss harder to bear. "Only thing we want to know is what happened," she said.
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