Authorities have charged three individuals with allegedly threatening witnesses in the investigation into the death of Mississippi teenager Nolan Wells. The charges involve three separate incidents.
Details of Threats
One of the accused, Edward James Porter, faces charges for multiple threats directed at two witnesses on July 31. According to court documents obtained by NBC News, Porter made repeated calls to these witnesses, threatening to harm them and their families. He allegedly claimed knowledge of their residences and told one witness he would dismember them and place them in a suitcase.
The Death of Nolan Wells
Wells was discovered deceased on July 6 at Horn Island’s northwest tip in Mississippi. This followed a July 4 celebration trip with a large group of friends. His friends informed officials they left early since their boat was taking on water, while Wells chose to stay and wait for a later ride. That was the last time they saw him. Nolan Wells went missing off Horn Island on July 4, leaving his family concerned.
Wells’ disappearance prompted his mother and a friend to report him missing. Civil rights attorney Ben Crump, representing the family, questioned the circumstances of Wells’ death and speculated about racial factors, as Wells was one of the few Black individuals present. Crump dismissed official suggestions of drowning due to Wells’ swimming skills and athletic background. NBC News reached out to Crump for further comments.
Additional Charges
Authorities charged Joseph Alfredo Vasquez Dumarce after he allegedly sent Facebook messages threatening a Jackson County Chancery Court judge. On July 11, screenshots showed messages from username “yaeyae962,” threatening to deliver a bomb to the judge’s office with a suggestive countdown message. Officials linked the account to Dumarce.
Ashlee Cole, mother of one of Wells’ friends, shared on Facebook that her son was cooperating with authorities. Cole, a Jackson County judge herself, was indirectly involved as grand jury documents named a victim with initials “A.C.” She shared similar threatening messages from “yaeyae962.”
Third Incident
Michelle Francine Edwards was charged with making a bomb threat to the George County chancery clerk’s office on July 23, followed by threats to the Jackson County sheriff’s office. Court documents state Edwards made numerous calls, issuing specific threats such as “do not go outside” and “the clock is ticking.”
No attorneys are listed for Porter, Dumarce, or Edwards. NBC News has contacted the Jackson County public defender’s office for comments regarding these cases.