Ms. Rachel is lending her voice to a grieving family seeking answers in the death of 18-year-old Nolan Wells. The children’s educator recently showed her support for Wells’ family as they renewed their call for a federal investigation into his death in Mississippi, urging authorities to take another look at the case.
Ms. Rachel voices support for Nolan Wells’ family and their federal probe call
Ms. Rachel posted a message on Instagram expressing solidarity with Wells’ relatives. “I stand with the family of Nolan Wells in their call for a full federal investigation,” the post read.
She also added the caption, “Justice for Nolan Xavier Wells and his family.” Her statement followed renewed efforts by Wells’ parents and attorneys to involve federal authorities in the Nolan Wells investigation. Wells disappeared during a July 4 trip to Horn Island with friends. Authorities found his body off the Mississippi coast in early July.
In September, a grand jury declined to indict anyone in connection with his death. In September, a grand jury declined to indict anyone in connection with Wells’ death. As per MPB, both the state and independent autopsies listed the cause of death as undetermined. The grand jury nevertheless concluded that the circumstances were consistent with drowning. During a California forum, Wells’ mother, Christine Wells-Wonsley, urged authorities to review the case again.
“It is our plea that his case is reopened, re-examined,” she said. His father, Elmore Wonsley, also requested FBI involvement, citing the discovery of his son’s body on federal land. The family and its attorneys called on the Department of Justice, FBI, and National Park Service to examine the case.
Wells’ parents additionally raised concerns about whether race influenced the original investigation. However, Jackson County District Attorney Angel Myers McIlrath rejected allegations of racial bias. The Nolan Wells case also attracted attention from lawmakers. The Congressional Black Caucus previously requested a federal review, while Congresswoman Frederica Wilson called for additional investigative attention.
Meanwhile, Stop AAPI Hate Executive Director Cynthia Choi supported the family’s request and addressed harassment they reportedly experienced while seeking answers. Ms. Rachel’s Instagram statement added her public support to the family’s ongoing effort to obtain another investigation.
