Nationwide — Journalist and host Nancy Grace is raising questions about the investigation into Nolan Wells’ death, saying key details in the case do not appear to match. She pointed to issues involving phone data, witness statements, and the timeline of the 18-year-old football player’s final hours.
During an episode of Crime Stories, Grace examined possible inconsistencies surrounding Wells’ disappearance from Horn Island during a July 4 boating trip. She said the information released so far has left her with serious concerns. She specifically questioned Wells’ cellphone data and Life360 location information, saying the reported discrepancies were too large to ignore.
“I’ve got a big problem with the Life360 and the phone data all not jiving,” Grace said, according to Complex. She questioned why the location data reportedly showed a larger difference than expected and said she was not convinced by the explanation.
She also addressed conflicting accounts about Wells’ final moments on Horn Island. Grace said the different versions of events cannot both be accurate.
“Both cannot be true,” Grace said. “I don’t know who’s lying, but somebody’s lying right there.”
Grace’s comments came after attorney Ben Crump announced the results of an independent autopsy requested by Wells’ family. The examination, performed by forensic pathologist Dr. Roger Mitchell, determined that the cause and manner of Wells’ death remain “undetermined” as the investigation continues.
Crump said the findings did not eliminate the possibility of foul play. He also noted that parts of Wells’ body had already been removed during the state’s initial autopsy, limiting what the independent examination could reveal.
The report found red discoloration on the back of Wells’ head, but could not determine whether he was conscious when he entered the water or how he ended up there. Crump said the results provided important information but also created more questions for the family.
Wells disappeared after the boating trip near Horn Island, a barrier island off Mississippi’s Gulf Coast. He reportedly stayed behind on the island after telling friends he planned to remain there while others returned to shore because of boat issues. A U.S. park ranger found his body two days later