(Ronaldo Bolaños / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)
The investigation into what happened during a Fourth of July gathering in Mississippi continues to unfold as new details emerge surrounding the death of Nolan Xavier Wells. As authorities work to piece together the final moments before his death, the FBI has stepped in to assist local investigators while concerns over online threats and unanswered questions continue to draw attention.
The FBIs Jackson office confirmed it is assisting the Jackson County Sheriffs Office as investigators continue looking into Nolan Xavier Wells death. In a statement obtained by NBC affiliate WLBT, the federal agency said local authorities remain in charge of the investigation but that the FBI has provided support in areas where federal resources and partnerships could help.
The FBI also said it is working to address interstate threats made against individuals connected to the case. While officials have not revealed who received the threats or provided additional details about their nature, the agency confirmed it remains prepared to support investigators as they continue searching for answers for Nolans family and the surrounding community.
As speculation surrounding the case continues online, some people connected to Nolan Wells say they have faced threats and harassment. Tracestin Shepherd, a friend of Nolans, previously shared that he and others who were with Nolan during the Fourth of July outing received threatening messages online.
Were all young adults and were still learning this whole adulthood slash life thing, Shepherd said during an interview with ABC News Aaron Katersky on ‘Good Morning America.’ We did no wrong here, and we dont understand how were getting so much hate behind it. Other community members have also stepped away from social media amid the backlash. Ashlee Cole, a local judge whose son was among the group with Nolan on the holiday, previously said she deactivated her account after concerns about threats and the circulation of her familys photos online.
Attorney Ben Crump, who represents Nolans parents, said after meeting with the Jackson County District Attorneys Office that the case will move forward to a grand jury once the sheriffs investigation is complete. Crump said he hopes investigators present all relevant evidence and witness information so the grand jury can review the case thoroughly and fairly. Meanwhile, Nolans family continues preparing to honor his life, with funeral services scheduled for July 20 at Center Pointe Church in Ocean Springs, Mississippi.
