Photo: OCTAVIO JONES / AFP / Getty Images
Nolan Wells’ family says it is ready to move forward with a joint forensic examination of the 18-year-old’s cellphone as questions remain about his death.
The Wells’ family legal team, led by civil rights attorney Ben Crump, said Monday (August 17) that its experts are on standby and asked the district attorney’s office to select a date between August 18 and August 21 for the examination, according to WLBT.
“We are eager to comply with the agreement we entered on July 15, which is a joint forensic examination of Nolan’s phone conducted together, with their experts, our experts, and possibly the FBI,” the legal team said. “The family is ready.”
The family and prosecutors agreed in July to jointly examine the phone, but the examination has not yet taken place. The family has pushed back against suggestions that it has been uncooperative, saying it wants both sides’ experts present during the process.
“The family wants Nolan’s phone examined right away, with both parties in the room,” the legal team said.
The phone has emerged as a key piece of evidence in the case, with Crump previously questioning why it was found with one of Wells’ friends rather than with his body.
Wells was found dead July 6 after going missing during a Fourth of July trip to Horn Island. His cause and manner of death remain undetermined.
Additionally, the NAACP has joined Wells’ family’s legal team as of Monday. Reuters reports that the organization’s Office of General Counsel will work alongside Crump to seek a comprehensive investigation and greater transparency.
“We’re taking up this fight to search for truth and transparency surrounding the death of Nolan Wells,” NAACP General Counsel Kristen Clarke said.
The Congressional Black Caucus also called for a Justice Department review of Wells’ death last week. The DOJ has since confirmed it received the caucus’ letter and said appropriate personnel are reviewing it.
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