MISSISSIPPI SHERIFF RESPONDS TO CRITICISM AS NOLAN WELLS INVESTIGATION CONTINUES
- Jul 10
- 2 min read
JACKSON COUNTY, Mississippi — Jackson County Sheriff John Ledbetter is responding to growing public scrutiny surrounding the investigation into the death of Nolan Wells, saying his office remains committed to conducting a thorough investigation and finding answers for the Wells family.
During a television interview, Ledbetter said investigators continue to review a substantial amount of video footage and images submitted by the public, including a viral social media video recorded on Horn Island around the time Wells was last seen.
“I don’t know the origins of that video at this point, but yes, we are looking into it,” Ledbetter said.
Wells disappeared while celebrating the Fourth of July on Horn Island with friends. Authorities have previously said they believe he drowned, but the investigation remains active as detectives continue gathering evidence.
Ledbetter also addressed claims made by the mother of one of Wells’ friends, who alleged Wells stayed behind after the group’s boat experienced mechanical problems and began taking on water. The sheriff said investigators are aware of those statements but emphasized they remain part of the ongoing investigation.
ABC News has confirmed that one of Wells’ friends reported him missing to the U.S. Coast Guard around 11 p.m. on the night of his disappearance. Wells’ mother later filed a missing persons report with the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office shortly after midnight.
The sheriff said investigators are still awaiting the official autopsy report from the Mississippi State Medical Examiner’s Office before reaching final conclusions about Wells’ death.
Ledbetter also responded to allegations made by the family’s attorneys that Wells’ cellphone had been returned with deleted text messages. The sheriff denied that his office ever possessed the phone, stating investigators requested access to the device so forensic data could be extracted.
“We’re working towards the same goal as the family,” Ledbetter said. “We want a thorough investigation, and that’s what we’re going to continue until we arrive at the answers that the family deserves.”
Ledbetter added that he welcomes the family’s decision to pursue an independent investigation, saying his office remains focused on determining exactly what happened.
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