MISSISSIPPI — The FBI is investigating threats against people who were with Nolan Wells in the hours before a Mississippi teen disappeared and was found dead, one of the state’s top law enforcement officials said.
Wells, 18, disappeared on July 4 after joining friends on a boat trip to Horn Island, a barrier island off the coast of the Mississippi Gulf.
Search teams combed the area for two days before a National Park Service ranger found his remains on the northwestern tip of the island on July 6.
Mississippi Department of Public Safety Commissioner Shawn Tindle said Wednesday that the FBI is investigating threats against government officials, people who were with Wells before his disappearance and their families.
Tindell made the comments on Mississippi Public Broadcasting “sit” Hosted by Magnolia Tribune Founder and CEO Ross Latino.
“I’m sure law enforcement and the FBI are going to be very interested in the investigation, so, you know, when you make these kinds of threats against government officials, against potential witnesses, against people involved in this investigation and your family, you’re also committing a criminal act, and that’s going to be taken very seriously,” Tindle said.
Tindell said the “false information” circulated about Wells’ death had sparked “anger and emotion”, leading to a high level of calls coming into his office, some of which represented “direct threats.”
Tindell said he believes Wells’ mother, Christine Wonsley, also received threats.
Here is the latest news on the disappearance and death of Mississippi teen Nolan Wells:
“I can tell you that the FBI has reached out to them. They are working in any capacity. They have extended a helping hand, in this case, to do anything that is required on their part. But they are also taking a serious look, at some of these threats that have come up, to public employees, family witnesses, anyone involved in this case,” Tindle said.
Tindell confirmed to Fox News Digital that such threats are being investigated.
“I can confirm that we have received threats against DPS employees and those threats are actively being investigated. Some potential witnesses and their families have also received threats and are being investigated as well,” he said.
The warning from one of Mississippi’s top public safety officials comes as national interest in the issue has peaked, with Rep. Andre Carson, Democrat of Indiana, accusing Mississippi officials of not being transparent.
“Not only [Nolan Wells’ family] Those who suffer the unimaginable grief of losing a child do not receive truth, transparency, or accountability. “Mississippi officials preserved some parts of Nolan’s body, so yesterday’s independent autopsy leaves more questions unanswered,” Carson said.
As speculation mounted, Mississippi’s top elected officials began to respond publicly.
Mississippi Republican Governor Tate Reeves told Fox News Digital in a statement that attorney Ben Crump and Al Sharpton are responsible for inciting the threats.
“Ben Crump and Al Sharpton are to blame for the threats. They are fomenting division for personal gain. It’s sad to see, but not unexpected. That’s how they built their careers,” Reeves said.
“Jackson County law enforcement, the Mississippi Department of Public Safety, and the state medical examiner are conducting a thorough investigation. I am confident they will follow the facts of the case, wherever that leads them. The state’s top prosecutor is also taking a hard line.”
Mississippi Attorney General Lynn Fitch told Fox News Digital in a statement that her office will hold accountable anyone who threatens law enforcement in this case.
“I am proud of the professionalism with which law enforcement, the prosecutor, and other local leaders are handling this tragic case. During an open investigation, it is important to the cause of justice that everyone respects 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 hold them accountable,” Fitch said. “He lost a bright young life and our prayers go out to his family.”
During Wednesday’s news conference, Crump revealed that a “red-colored” area had been found on Wells’ head, but said Dr. Roger Mitchell, who performed the autopsy, was unable to reach a conclusion on the cause or manner of death “pending further investigation.”
An official autopsy on Wells’ body has not been completed, but Crump’s revelations have sparked further speculation.
Wells’ friends returned to the mainland that July afternoon without him, but Jackson County Sheriff John Ledbetter previously said investigators believe Wells chose to remain on the island.
His mother did not learn he was missing from one of Wells’ friends until later that night and reported it to authorities.
The FBI told Fox News Digital in a statement that it is working with local law enforcement to investigate the threats.
“Since day one, we have been supporting Jackson County as they worked to gather information and find answers for the Wells family and the community. The FBI will remain ready to assist JCSO investigators when they request our support, especially as federal resources expand their ability to provide clarity and peace of mind to Nolan’s loved ones,” the agency said.
“At the federal level, the FBI is working to address interstate threats received by individuals in connection with this matter, but these efforts are parallel to Jackson County’s independent investigation.”
Fox News Digital has reached out to Crump and Sharpton for comment.