The FBI is investigating threats made against individuals who were with Mississippi teenager Nolan Wells in the hours before he disappeared and was later found dead, according to state officials.
Wells, 18, went missing July 4 after joining friends on a boating trip to Horn Island, a barrier island off the Mississippi Gulf Coast. Search teams spent two days searching 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 said the FBI is examining threats directed at public officials, those who were with Wells before his disappearance, and their family members. Tindell discussed the matter Wednesday 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 Wells’ death has fueled public anger and led to a surge of calls to his office, including direct threats. He indicated Wells’ mother, Christine Wonsley, has also received threats related to the case. The FBI has offered assistance and is reviewing the threats, Tindell added.
Gov. Tate Reeves told Fox News Digital that civil rights attorney Benjamin Crump and Al Sharpton bore significant responsibility for stirring emotions that contributed to the threats. “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.”
Jackson County law enforcement, the Mississippi Department of Public Safety, and the State Medical Examiner continue a thorough investigation into Wells’ death, Reeves said. He expressed confidence that authorities will follow the facts wherever they lead.
Mississippi Attorney General Lynn Fitch said her office will hold accountable anyone who threatens law enforcement involved in the case. “During an open investigation, it is vital to the cause of justice that everyone respect the integrity of the process,” Fitch said. “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.”
Tindell confirmed to Fox News Digital that threats against Department of Public Safety employees and some potential witnesses and their families are under active investigation.
