The family of Nolan Wells, a Black teenager who went missing during a July Fourth boat trip to an island off the Mississippi coast, has agreed to work with the local prosecutor’s office to inspect the contents of his cellphone as the investigation into his death continues.

Investigation Ongoing

Wells’ family had previously alleged that messages seemed to have been erased from his phone before they got it back, just one of a series of concerns they’ve raised about the circumstances and investigation surrounding his death.

Attorney Ben Crump said that District Attorney Angel Myers McIlrath committed to presenting the investigation to a grand jury once it was completed. The family hopes that a grand jury will bring an impartial decision and that all relevant witnesses and evidence will be presented.

Wells had traveled to the island with friends, but failed to return with them when they left around 3 p.m. Conflicting accounts have been given as to whether he planned to remain on Horn Island to talk to a girl or to return with those friends.

Authorities with the Jackson County Sheriff’s Department and other agencies were quick to say they did not suspect foul play in his death. Results of an official autopsy are still pending, and the investigation is continuing.

The Congressional Black Caucus has also weighed in, adding to calls for an independent investigation into the death.

Original reporting: KTBS 3 (Shreveport) — read the source article.