Orlando – A digital‑forensic team from Garrett Discovery will hold a news conference Thursday at 11:30 a.m. to release the results of its examination of the cellphone belonging to Nolan Xavier Wells, an 18‑year‑old Black college student from Mississippi who was found dead on an island off the Gulf Coast in July.
Background on the case
Wells disappeared on July 4 while on a boat trip with friends. Two days later his body was recovered on a remote island near the Mississippi Gulf Coast. A Jackson County grand jury concluded that the death was consistent with drowning, but Wells’ family has disputed that finding, citing an autopsy that noted bruising to his head.
Forensic investigation
Garrett Discovery, a firm that specializes in digital evidence, was tasked with a thorough review of Wells’ phone. The analysis will focus on call logs, text messages, location data, and any media stored on the device that could shed light on the circumstances surrounding his disappearance and the actions of his friends after he went missing.
Community and civil‑rights response
Nationally recognized civil‑rights attorney Ben Crump, who has represented families in high‑profile cases involving young Black victims, will join the forensic experts at the conference. Crump has long advocated for transparency and accountability in investigations that affect minority communities, and he said the family “deserves full answers.”
“We are here to ensure that every piece of evidence is examined and that the truth is brought to light for Nolan’s family and for the community,” Crump said in a statement released ahead of the event.
Family’s call for answers
Wells’ relatives have repeatedly called for an independent review of the case, emphasizing the need for a transparent investigation that addresses the bruising noted in the autopsy report. They hope the forensic findings will either corroborate the grand jury’s conclusion or reveal new information that could prompt further legal action.
What to expect
During the conference, the forensic team will present a summary of the data recovered, explain how the information was analyzed, and answer questions from the press and community members. The session will be streamed live by WESH 2, allowing residents across Central Florida to follow the proceedings.
Local officials have expressed support for the effort, noting that a clear, fact‑based account of the events can help restore confidence in the investigative process and provide closure for the family.
Why this matters locally
While the tragedy occurred in Mississippi, the forensic work is being conducted in Orlando, highlighting the city’s role as a hub for advanced digital‑forensic services. The case also underscores broader concerns about how missing‑person investigations are handled, especially when they involve young Black individuals.
Community leaders encourage residents to stay informed and to support efforts that promote transparency and accountability in all investigations.
Original reporting: WESH Orlando — read the source article.
