Threats against Wells investigation officials

Three individuals have been charged with making threats against a judge, a witness, and local officials connected to the investigation into the death of Death of Nolan Wells, an 18-year-old Black teenager found dead after a July Fourth boat trip to an island off United States — Mississippi's Gulf Coast. The threats occurred amid public scrutiny and speculation surrounding the case, which has raised concerns about racial violence and distrust of law enforcement. Edward James Porter of Illinois allegedly threatened to kill a witness and their family, and also threatened two members of the family of Bart Edminston Jr., who provided aid to the boat used on the trip. Michelle Francine Edwards of Ohio allegedly placed bomb threats at the United States — George County Chancery Clerk s Office and the United States — Jackson County Sheriff s Department. Joseph Alfredo Vasquez Dumarce of California allegedly sent a threatening Facebook message to Judge Ashlee Cole, who has ties to the investigation. Authorities have not made arrests or named suspects in Wells' death, and an independent autopsy found the cause of death undetermined.