Nolan Wells’s mother, Christine Wonsley, has asked the court to make her the administrator of Nolan’s estate.
The petition, filed on Monday, would enable Wonsley to sue the perpetrator over her son’s mysterious death once an arrest is made.
Christine Wonsley’s filing could allow the estate to pursue legal claims
According to TMZ, Wonsley filed the petition with Jackson County Chancery Court the same day that hundreds gathered for Nolan’s funeral. The estate’s assets would consist “solely of claims for damages resulting from the circumstances surrounding his death.”
The authority over the estate will enable her to file a lawsuit on behalf of Nolan if someone is found legally responsible for the 18-year-old’s death. The filing states that Wonsley is the sole heir, as Nolan never married or had any children.
The filing comes as the investigation into Nolan’s death continues. Nolan Wells had reportedly travelled by boat to Horn Island for July 4 celebrations. A newly discovered video recorded on the day of Nolan’s disappearance shows him partying with a group of men. A black man, thought to be Nolan, was also shown bending over, probably to reach a drink. This may be a video showing Nolan’s last whereabouts.
Following the party, Nolan’s friend group returned to the mainland without him. His phone and keys remained onboard. Wells’s body was found at the shoreline of the island near where they partied.
Authorities believe that he drowned, though his family continues to conduct an independent investigation.
Meanwhile, many have suspected foul play and an attempt to sweep the real case under the rug. Wonsley told Good Morning America that the family wants “honesty and transparency” in the investigation. She has also demanded the “same respect that would be given to anybody else, and that’s it.” Finally, they are just looking for “answers”.
Rev. Al Sharpton offered $50,000 for an arrest or conviction in the case at Nolan’s funeral. He also announced that Tyler Perry will follow suit.
As scrutiny intensifies on the case, several broader questions have come up, some even broaching racial considerations.
DO YOU THINK WONSLEY’S PETITION WILL HELP THE CASE?
Originally reported by Sreemanti Sengupta for Reality Tea
