OCEAN SPRINGS, Miss. (WLOX) — New details have been released on the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s (FBI) involvement in the Nolan Wells investigation, along with dispatch audio.
Wells’ body was found in the water off Horn Island on the morning of July 6. Wells was reported missing the night of July 4 after he did not return from a boating trip with friends.
FBI assisting
Jackson County Sheriff John Ledbetter confirmed with WLOX that the FBI is helping examine digital evidence collected so far.
He said the involvement is not out of the ordinary, as Horn Island is on federal land and the sheriff’s office frequently works with the FBI.
The FBI confirmed with ABC News that the agency is “working to address interstate threats that were received by individuals related to this matter.”
The agency did not identify any of the recipients, but some people have stated publicly that they have received threats.
Jackson County Chancery Judge Ashlee Cole shared a Facebook post addressing death threats made to her family amid the investigation. Cole is the stepmother of one of three teens who made the trip to Horn Island with Wells.
One of Wells’ friends, Tracestin Shepherd, told ABC News that he and other friends of Wells’ who were with him on the island have also received threats.
“It worries me for my friends. It worries me for my family,” Shepherd told ABC News.
Dispatch audio
According to reports, dispatch audio from a private towing company has been released in connection with the boat Wells’ friends used.
In the call, a person is heard requesting help.
CALLER: We’re sinking, can y’all please come?
DISPATCH: And is everyone on board and in good health otherwise?
CALLER: Yeah, yeah everybody is on board.
Ledbetter confirmed that the three friends who were on the boat with Wells have been interviewed. He said his office has interviewed more than 60 witnesses.
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