Nolan Wells' family addresses National Association of Black Journalists in Atlanta.

The tragic death of 18-year-old Nolan Wells has left his family devastated and seeking answers. More than a month after he disappeared during a boating trip in Mississippi on Fourth of July, his loved ones are calling for a federal review of the investigation into his death. According to WLOX, Wells' parents, Christine and Elmore Wonsley, joined civil rights attorney Ben Crump, the Rev.

Al Sharpton, and U.S. Rep. Lucy McBath on August 13 at the National Association of Black Journalists convention in Atlanta.

During a panel moderated by journalist Tiffany Cross, the group discussed the case before holding a news conference. Wells' body was found on July 6 in the waters near Horn Island off Mississippi's Gulf Coast, after he was reported missing when he failed to return from the boating trip with friends. The Congressional Black Caucus is also seeking federal scrutiny, as they sent a letter on August 12 to Attorney General Todd Blanche and FBI Director Kash Patel, urging them to launch an independent review.

McBath stated that federal officials were given seven days to respond and emphasized the importance of a thorough investigation, saying, "We are demanding a full federal investigation. We want to make sure that every stone is turned because his life matters." Wells' parents have raised concerns about the circumstances surrounding his disappearance and the initial response from authorities. Christine Wonsley shared that she had contacted multiple law enforcement agencies while trying to report her son missing, but was redirected due to jurisdictional questions.

An independent autopsy commissioned by the family has classified Wells' cause and manner of death as undetermined. However, the state autopsy report will not be released until it is reviewed by a grand jury, according to the office of District Attorney Angel Myers McIlrath. In the meantime, attorney Ben Crump and the district attorney's office have discussed jointly examining Wells' cellphone.

The family's forensic team is waiting for prosecutors to establish a time and location for the examination, as shared by attorney Liza Park. The Jackson County Sheriff's Office has confirmed that the investigation is still open and ongoing, while Crump's team is conducting their own separate investigation. "We want truth.

We want transparency," Crump stated. Sharpton echoed his sentiments, saying that the family will accept the findings if the investigation provides clear answers. "If the truth comes out and it is clear, then we will accept the truth.

That is all we are asking," he said. August 19 would have been Wells' 19th birthday, and his family plans to hold a national prayer rally at Greater St. John AME Church in Biloxi, Mississippi to honor his life.

Elmore Wonsley expressed their main goal, saying, "We just want the truth. We just want to know what any other parent would want to know." The family's search for answers has gained national attention, with Tyler Perry and Rev. Al Sharpton offering a $100,000 reward for information in Wells' death.

As the investigation continues, the Wells family and their supporters are determined to find the truth and bring justice for Nolan.