Three individuals have been charged with making threats against a judge, witnesses and local officials involved in the investigation into the death of Nolan Xavier Wells, an 18-year-old found dead off Mississippi’s Gulf Coast following a July Fourth boat trip.
Edward James Porter, Joseph Alfredo Vasquez Dumarce and one other unnamed defendant face allegations of issuing threats in separate incidents, according to court documents and law enforcement statements. None of the three are reported to have any direct connection to Wells, his family or the boating group involved in the July 4 gathering.
Porter, identified in court filings, is accused of making multiple threatening calls to two witnesses on July 31, including claims that he knew where they lived and threats to harm them and their families. A probable cause affidavit cited in NBC News reporting states Porter told one witness he would "cut them up and put them into a suitcase."
Vasquez Dumarce was charged after allegedly sending messages to a Jackson County Chancery Court judge on July 11, according to a probable cause affidavit cited by NBC News. The content of the messages was not fully disclosed in available reports.
A third defendant, whose identity has not been publicly named, was charged in connection with threats against unspecified officials, though details of the allegations were not immediately available in the cited sources.
Background: The Death of Nolan Wells
Wells, 18, was found dead on July 6 near Horn Island, two days after he joined a group of friends for a July Fourth celebration. The group told authorities they left the island early due to a boat taking on water, and Wells indicated he would stay behind and catch a later ride. His mother and a friend reported him missing when he did not return home.
An independent autopsy commissioned by Wells’ family found his cause of death to be "undetermined", pending further review. The Jackson County Sheriff’s Department has not named any suspects or made arrests in connection with his death.
Ongoing Scrutiny and Public Response
The investigation has drawn significant public attention, fueled by uncertainty about Wells’ final hours, distrust of law enforcement and broader concerns about racial dynamics. Wells, who was Black, was one of a few Black individuals present during the gathering, according to reporting by NBC News.
Civil rights attorney Ben Crump, representing Wells’ family, has publicly questioned whether race played a role in the circumstances of his death. Crump has also disputed law enforcement suggestions that Wells may have drowned, citing Wells’ swimming ability and athletic background.
Authorities have not provided a definitive cause of death or timeline of events. The Mississippi Bureau of Investigation and local law enforcement continue to review evidence, including witness statements and forensic findings.
Legal and Community Reactions
The threats against judicial and law enforcement personnel have prompted additional security measures and heightened scrutiny of the investigation. Local officials have not detailed specific impacts on the probe but confirmed that the charges reflect broader concerns about interference in ongoing legal proceedings.
Wells’ family, represented by Crump, has called for transparency and accountability in the investigation. At a National Urban League conference on July 30, Wells’ mother and stepfather shared updates on the case and reiterated demands for a thorough and impartial inquiry.
What’s Next
All three defendants are scheduled to appear in court in the coming weeks. The investigation into Wells’ death remains active, with authorities urging anyone with information to come forward. The Jackson County Sheriff’s Department has not indicated whether the threats will alter the timeline of the investigation.