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Tracestin Shepherd has now clarified the timing of a pool party image that is being speculated as part of Nolan Xavier Wells‘ last moments, and says Ben Crump is taking advantage of the late teen’s parents.
On Monday, July 13, ABC News published an exclusive interview with Tracestin Shepherd, reportedly conducted on Sunday, July 12. In the interview, Shepherd initially reiterated statements he had previously made to Rolling Stone. This, clarifying footage taken on Horn Island on July 4. Additionally, in this interview, however, Shepherd supported the claim that Wells chose to stay on the island when his friends were leaving. This, allegedly, because he had met a girl.
Additionally, Shepherd, who is also Black, alleged that his and Wells’ friend group was “very diverse.” And he said that no one would want to harm the 18-year-old.
“We would die for him. We would do everything in our power for that guy. If he needed anything, we would do it,” he said.
Specifically, Shepherd addressed “misinformation” connected to suspicion around Wells’ friends having his phone when his body was found. He explained that it was very common for teens to leave their phones in boats while on Horn Island.
“All our friends are out there. Who are we communicating with?… When Nolan got in the water, he put his phone on the [boat] dash also with probably 15 other phones,” he said.
At that point, Shepherd’s uncle reportedly noted that it was common for boats to be brought to the mainland with phones that would later be retrieved by the teens.
“That’s not uncommon. I’ve even gotten home and had phones on my deck; I didn’t know whose they were. They come and get the phones later. Out there, they can give a care less about their phone. They get up in the boat, take a picture, set it down, get back in the water,” his uncle said.
Additionally, Shepherd addressed a now-viral photo, which is being speculated as part of Nolan Xavier Wells’ final moments. As The Shade Room previously reported, the photo surfaced over the weekend. And it appears to show Wells standing in a pool surrounded by other teens. The image was initially shared on Instagram and captioned, “Summer ’26.” Subsequently, it was reposted by Attorney Ben Crump alongside a caption that read:
“Repost from @shanneltarottv :(Nolan Wells investigation update: The streets are talking! Now listen, I dont know if these are facts or rumors because no official statements have been confirmed. We sometimes have to follow all clues until the truth is found. Here is what was discovered on social media last night. Social media allegations claim a photo exists of Nolan at a land-based pool party in Jackson County before 1:00 AM on July 5th”
However, Shepherd says the photo was actually taken on June 27 “in nearby Pass Christian, Mississippi.”
As the interview went on, Tracestin Shepherd shifted his focus to Attorney Crump. Per the outlet, he is “upset by the suggestion from Crump that race may have played a role in Wells’ death.” Furthermore, he says, he and his friends have now “become targets.”
“They’re trying to spin a narrative that’s not there. He’s wrong,” Shepherd said before adding. “I understand [Wells’] parents are grieving, and I really think he’s taken a little bit of advantage of that. And I don’t like that. I really don’t because they’re vulnerable.”
Ultimately, Shepherd explained that he wants everyone to “relax” and “mourn the loss of Nolan.”
“And let us remember him as the sweet guy he was and not something we’re scared of because of the trauma we’ve had. If Ben Crump is doing his own investigation, let him do it. And then let the sheriff’s office conclude with their investigation and figure out what the facts are on their end. Let us all just know the truth instead of jumping to two conclusions about things,” he said.
Shepherd reiterated that everyone loved Wells and “nobody wanted to see Nolan die.”
“Nobody wanted his life taken so short. He had everything going for him,” he said.
Tracestin Shepherd’s clarity on the viral pool image comes after he recently spoke on another piece of content. As The Shade Room previously reported, earlier this month, footage surfaced, apparently taken on Horn Island on July 4. Furthermore, it appeared to capture an argument on the island.
The footage was reposted by Ben Crump. Then, he alleged Wells was involved in an argument on the island, per The Shade Room. However, Wells’ best friend has come forward, saying it’s unclear whether he was involved or present during the viral argument clip. Additionally, most recently, Tracestin Shepherd explained that the viral argument clip featured his voice, as he was the teen yelling and involved in the on-camera altercation.
