OCEAN SPRINGS, Miss. — The family of 18-year-old Nolan Xavier Wells continues to seek answers following his death after a July 4 outing to Horn Island, as attorneys announced new developments in the ongoing investigation.

On Wednesday, Nolan's parents, Christine Wonsley and Elmore Wonsley, met with Jackson County District Attorney Angel Myers McIlrath, accompanied by nationally recognized civil rights attorney Ben Crump and the family's legal team.

Following the meeting, Crump said the district attorney committed to presenting the completed investigation to a grand jury once law enforcement has concluded its work.

Cellphone Review Planned

One of the family's longstanding concerns has been Nolan's cellphone.

The Wells family has previously stated they believe information may have been removed from the device before it was returned to them. Attorneys announced Wednesday they will work with the Jackson County District Attorney's Office to inspect the contents of Nolan's cellphone as investigators continue reviewing digital evidence.

The family hopes the phone may help establish a more complete timeline of Nolan's final hours.

Authorities have not publicly confirmed whether any data was deleted or altered.

Family Continues to Seek Answers

Nolan Wells disappeared after traveling to Horn Island with a group of friends on July 4. According to previous reports, he became separated from the group and did not return to the mainland with them.

His body was discovered July 6 by a National Park Ranger near the shoreline of Horn Island.

The Jackson County Sheriff's Office has stated the investigation remains active.

In recent interviews, including an emotional appearance on Good Morning America with Michael Strahan, Nolan's parents discussed their continued search for answers and raised questions surrounding the timeline of events leading to their son's death.

While investigators continue examining evidence, many questions surrounding Nolan's final hours remain unanswered.

Funeral Information Announced

The Wells family also announced funeral arrangements for Nolan.

His funeral will be held July 20 at Center Pointe Church in Ocean Springs, Mississippi.

Visitation is scheduled from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., followed immediately by the funeral service.

Civil rights leader Rev. Al Sharpton is expected to deliver the eulogy.

Following the service, the family plans to host a celebration of Nolan's life at the Jackson County Fairgrounds.

"We want to celebrate Nolan," his mother, Christine Wonsley, said. "He would not want us to be sitting around crying and eating."

The family said the repast is intended primarily for family and friends, although members of the media will be permitted to attend.

Wonsley also urged those supporting the family to remain peaceful.

"If you are having protests, even the day of his service, I am asking you guys to just keep it peaceful. Nolan would never want any type of violence. He was not that kind of person."

WNN Reporting

Women's Network News has reached out to the Office of Jackson County District Attorney Angel Myers McIlrath for comment regarding Wednesday's meeting and the status of the investigation. As of publication, WNN has not received a response.

Confirmed Facts

• Nolan Wells disappeared during a July 4 trip to Horn Island.
• His body was found July 6 by a National Park Ranger.
• The Jackson County Sheriff's Office says the investigation remains ongoing.
• Nolan's family met Wednesday with District Attorney Angel Myers McIlrath.
• Attorney Ben Crump said the completed investigation will be presented to a grand jury.
• The family and prosecutors plan to review Nolan's cellphone as part of the investigation.
• Rev. Al Sharpton is expected to deliver the eulogy at Nolan's July 20 funeral.

Open Questions

• What happened after Nolan became separated from the group?
• What information, if any, will investigators recover from Nolan's cellphone?
• What evidence will ultimately be presented to the grand jury?
• What additional witness accounts or digital evidence may clarify Nolan's final hours?

Developing Information

WNN will continue following this investigation and provide updates as information is confirmed by investigators, prosecutors, or the Wells family.

— Women's Network News (WNN) Crime