local
Family of Black teen found dead after boat trip agrees to inspect his cellphone with DA
By Laura Turbay And Claudia Lauer, Associated Press at KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate)
· July 15, 2026
· 4 min read
Attorneys for the family of a Black teenager who went missing during a July Fourth boat trip to an island off the Mississippi coast said they will work with a local prosecutor's office to inspect the contents of his cellphone as the investigation into his death continues.The family of Nolan Wells...
Key takeaway But attorney Ben Crump said McIlrath also committed to presenting the investigation to a grand jury once it was completed.
Why this matters in The San Antonio
The agreement to inspect Nolan Wells' cellphone with the district attorney's office brings a measure of transparency to the investigation into his death, which has sparked concerns about racial tension and fairness in the justice system. As the case unfolds, San Antonio residents may be watching with interest, given the city's own experiences with issues of policing and community trust. The decision to present the investigation to a grand jury, as committed to by District Attorney Angel Myers McIlrath, will be closely followed, particularly in light of the family's allegations of erased messages and other concerns about the inquiry. The fact that most felony cases in Mississippi go to a grand jury may provide some context, but the unique circumstances of Wells' death, including conflicting accounts and the island's remote location, will likely continue to raise questions about what happened and how the investigation is being handled.
About this story
Original reporting by KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) . The San Antonio surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: July 15, 2026 ·
Source: KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) ·
Reading time: 4 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? Attorneys for the family of a Black teenager who went missing during a July Fourth boat trip to an island off the Mississippi coast said they will work with a local prosecutor's office to inspect the contents of his cellphone as the investigation into his death continues.The family of Nolan Wells...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 15, 2026 by KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) and curated for The San Antonio readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Laura Turbay And Claudia Lauer, Associated Press at KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate). To learn more about how The San Antonio selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from The San Antonio, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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