During a press conference at the White House on Wednesday, President Trump stated that he may request the FBI to investigate the death of Nolan Wells, an 18-year-old football player from Mississippi. When asked by reporters about the possibility of a federal investigation, Trump replied, "we're looking at that."
The call for a new investigation into Wells' death was made by his father, Elmore Wonsley, on Monday, who requested a federal inquiry. Wonsley stated, "Our son was found on federal land and we are asking the FBI to step in and do a full investigation."
Wells was found dead after disappearing during a Fourth of July trip with friends to Horn Island in Mississippi. Authorities reported that he was last seen traveling to another part of the island with a girl, and the Jackson County Sheriff’s Department indicated that there was no foul play involved in his death.
The family and supporters of Wells have raised concerns about the investigation's transparency and accountability, questioning whether there was a racial motive involved. However, a grand jury determined that Wells' death was neither criminal nor racially motivated.
Following the grand jury's decision, attorney Ben Crump, representing the family, criticized the outcome, stating it "leaves us with more questions than answers." Crump added, "Today, the State of Mississippi is attempting to close the chapter on Nolan Wells’ death without getting to the truth."