A $100,000 reward is now being offered for information in the death of 18-year-old Nolan Wells.
Rev. Al Sharpton announced a $50,000 reward during his eulogy at Wells' funeral Monday (July 20) at Center Pointe Church in Ocean Springs, Mississippi. Moments later, filmmaker Tyler Perry — who covered the funeral expenses — texted Sharpton during the service to say he would match it, bringing the total to $100,000.
Anyone with information that could assist the investigation is asked to contact Ben Crump's office.
"He was not on that island by himself, somebody saw something and knows something," Sharpton told the congregation. "So I didn't come to make money. I came to give money. Stand up and tell the truth."
Sharpton made the announcement in direct response to anonymous critics — including the sender of hate mail to Wells' mother — who accused him and Crump of being involved in the case for financial gain. "I'm so inspired by who's accused us of that, that I want to put up a reward," he said.
Sharpton also addressed the broader context of the investigation, noting that Wells was among a small number of Black attendees at the July 4 gathering on Horn Island.He stressed that Mississippi's racial history demands a higher level of scrutiny.
"I do not think that it is appropriate for either side of opinions to prevail without the backing of that investigation," he said.
Wells' mother, Christine Wonsley, spoke of her son’s memory, detailing the great impact he had on his family and loved ones’ lives. "If you ever had the privilege of meeting our son Nolan, or calling him a friend, then you experienced a glimpse of God's love through him," she said. "He was both protective and nurturing. We will continue to fight for you."
Crump addressed the crowd as well. "They went out on the boat, the boat came back and Nolan washed up on a shore two days later — dead," he said. "Wouldn't you want answers? Wouldn't you want transparency? Wouldn't you want the truth? Wouldn't you want justice?"
Director Spike Lee and former NFL wide receiver Terrell Owens were among those in attendance. The family's GoFundMe campaign has raised more than $700,000.
The investigation into Wells' death remains ongoing.
Results from the official autopsy and the family's independent examination have not been publicly released, and toxicology findings remain pending.
The case will be presented to a grand jury once the Jackson County Sheriff's investigation is complete.
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