Anita Lee
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Journalist, equal opportunity muckraker, general pest. MS Press Association Hall of Fame, '22 ProPublica fellow, LRN. Former @sunherald @McClatchy.
Articles by Anita Lee
Nolan Wells case: From tragic death to today, a full recap of events
Sun Herald journalists have been covering the tragic story of Nolan Wells’ death since the Ocean Springs teen was reported missing after celebrating Independence Day on Horn Island. Below is a recap of events in the aftermath of Nolan’s death and the fallout that continues today, with links to coverage included.
She was hospitalized in South MS for knee replacement, wound up losing her leg
AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom. Read our AI Policy. Lawsuit: Nurses failed to apply the patient’s prescribed immobilizer during transfer. She fell during transfer, fracturing bones near her knee and reopening the incision. After infection and treatment, Simpson's right leg was ultimately amputated.
Nolan Wells was not found 'fully clothed.' How false reports started, spread
Attorney Ben Crump told a national audience on Wednesday morning that the body of 18-year-old Nolan Wells of Ocean Springs was found face down and “fully clothed” on Horn Island, but that's not true. The false information originated with television journalist Nancy Grace. On her show Monday, she got United Cajun Navy founder and president Todd Terrell on the phone. The group was instrumental in the search for Wells' body.
Nolan Wells was not found ‘fully clothed.’ How false reports started, spread
AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom. Read our AI Policy. Crump said Wells was found face down and 'fully clothed,' which was false. Nancy Grace originated the false claim that Wells was found fully clothed. United Cajun Navy president Todd Terrell confirmed Wells was wearing blue swim trunks. Attorney Ben Crump told a national audience on Wednesday morning that the body of 18-year-old Nolan Wells of Ocean Springs was found face down and “fully clothed” on Horn Island, but that’s not true.
Tropical Storm Bertha plowing across Gulf south of MS. Here’s the latest
A National Hurricane Center image of Tropical Storm Bertha at around 10 a.m. Wednesday. Tropical Storm Bertha is now south of Mississippi, where a coastal flood warning remains in effect for southern portions of the three coastal counties. The storm was moving west northwest, located in the Gulf about 60 miles south of Pascagoula at around 10 a.m. Wednesday morning, with sustained winds offshore of 50 mph.
Nolan Wells was not found ‘fully clothed.’ How false reports started, spread
Follow Nolan Wells was not found ‘fully clothed.’ How false reports started, spread Wed, July 22, 2026 at 3:57 PM UTC Add Yahoo as a preferred source to see more of our stories on Google. Attorney Ben Crump told a national audience on Wednesday morning that the body of 18-year-old Nolan Wells of Ocean Springs was found face down and "fully clothed" on Horn Island, but that's not true. The false information originated with television journalist Nancy Grace.
Nolan Wells’ mom makes estate move. Crump backtracks on independent autopsy
AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom. Read our AI Policy. Wonsley filed the petition the same day as Nolan's funeral to open his estate. Crump launched an independent investigation and noted autopsy limitations. The state autopsy occurred the morning of July 7 and the body was released that day.
Rev. Al Sharpton exhorts public to demand truth in Nolan Wells’ death probe
AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom. Read our AI Policy. Rev. Al Sharpton urged transparent investigation into Nolan Wells' death Wells’ left behind his phone and keys before he died. Sharpton cited Mississippi’s history of racial violence to demand answers. Like the Baptist minister he is, the Rev. Al Sharpton delivered a eulogy Monday for Nolan Xavier Wells in Ocean Springs that relied on stories to drive home his points.
Crowd of mourners approaches 1,000 for Nolan Wells service; one group drove 8 hours
One after another, youngsters on the cusp of manhood filed past the casket of Nolan Xavier Wells, 18, of Ocean Springs. Wells’ jerseys were mounted on each side of his dark blue casket. Basketball, football — from the time he was small, Wells played it all. He was a superior athlete, as were so many of the friends at his funeral. He was an Ocean Springs Greyhound, then a wide receiver with the Southwest Mississippi Community College Bears before his tragic death.
Fight for equal justice brings Ben Crump, national spotlight to South Mississippi
The scene is all too familiar. Attorney Ben Crump stands before a microphone with grieving relatives of a Black person who died violently. A relative follows him to the microphone, often in tears. He reaches out a hand to console them, their bond forged through the crucible of grief fueled by injustice. Today, South Mississippi serves as the backdrop.
Coliseum director explains why hosting Nolan Wells’ funeral would have cost $82K Original
AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom. Read our AI Policy. Coliseum quoted an $82,111 estimate to host Nolan Xavier Wells’ funeral. Mississippi law prevents the coliseum from abbreviating charges for the event. Wells’ parents declined the coliseum offer and chose an Ocean Springs Church.
Mom Christine Wonsley pleads for peace as she prepares to bury son Nolan Wells Original
AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom. Read our AI Policy. Christine Wonsley publicly pleaded for peace as she prepares to bury son Nolan Wells. Ben Crump and his team met with the district attorney's office. Social media is circulating AI-generated videos and death threats amid the family’s grief.
Mom Christine Wonsley pleads for peace as she prepares to bury son Nolan Wells
Follow Mom Christine Wonsley pleads for peace as she prepares to bury son Nolan Wells Wed, July 15, 2026 at 5:47 PM UTC Add Yahoo as a preferred source to see more of our stories on Google. Christine and Elmore Wonsley have, in one short week, developed a close bond with their family attorney, Ben Crump, which was clear Wednesday morning at in front of the old Jackson County courthouse.
Ben Crump offers details of independent investigation into Nolan Wells’ death
Civil rights attorney Ben Crump, who is representing the family of Nolan Wells, the 18-year-old who died after celebrating Independence Day on Horn Island, offered some details of the independent investigation Wednesday. Speaking at the Jackson County Courthouse after a meeting with District Attorney Angel Myers McIlrath, and with Wells’ parents Christine and Elmore Wonsley at his side, Crump said that there will be a “mutual investigation” of Wells’ cellphone.
Funeral plans for Nolan Wells announced. Ocean Springs church will host
The funeral for Nolan Xavier Wells, the 18-year-old who died after celebrating Independence Day on Horn Island, will be held at Center Point Church in Ocean Springs, the family announced Wednesday. Visitation will be from 9-11 a.m. on Monday, July 20, with a service immediately afterward at the church, Christine Wonsley said during a news conference at the Jackson County Courthouse. The Rev. Al Sharpton will officiate the service.
Nolan Wells funeral will not be held at convention center. Here’s what we know Original
Despite officials with the Mississippi Coast Convention Center agreeing to host the funeral services of 18-year-old Nolan Xavier Wells, another venue will be used, according to Sam Voisin, executive director of the Mississippi Coast Coliseum and Convention Center. “After meeting with representatives of the Wells family, we support their decision not to hold Nolan Wells’ funeral services at the Mississippi Coast Coliseum & Convention Center, Monday July 20, as previously discussed,” Voisin said.
Coast convention center likely location for Nolan Wells’ funeral. What we know Original
The Mississippi Coast Convention Center in Biloxi has agreed to host the funeral services of 18-year-old Nolan Xavier Wells of Ocean Springs, whose death has gained national attention. Visitation would be from 9-11 a.m., with a service from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. on Monday, July 20. Sam Voisin, executive director of the Mississippi Coast Coliseum & Convention Center, said a room at the convention center would be set up for 1,200 to 1,500 people.
Coast convention center likely location for Nolan Wells’ funeral. What we know
The Mississippi Coast Convention Center in Biloxi has agreed to host the funeral services of 18-year-old Nolan Xavier Wells of Ocean Springs, whose death has gained national attention. Visitation would be from 9-11 a.m., with a service from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. on Monday, July 20. Sam Voisin, executive director of the Mississippi Coast Coliseum & Convention Center, said a room at the convention center would be set up for 1,200 to 1,500 people.
Nolan Wells might have been 18, but his mom asks ‘why our baby didn’t come home’
Nolan Xavier Wells was a peacemaker. He did not like to see people argue. Racial division disturbed him. And yet, he knew the reality of being Black in America, his mother Christine Wonsley said during a news conference Friday morning in New York led by their attorney, Ben Crump, and civil rights activist Al Sharpton. His parents taught him, as many Black parents teach their children, to move carefully through the world. The Wonsleys are not convinced Wells died violently.
Nolan Wells might have been 18, but his mom asks ‘why our baby didn’t come home’
AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom. Read our AI Policy. Nolan Wells’ body was found after a July Fourth trip to Horn Island. The football player was a role model for his siblings and friends. His parents, who want to know what happened, spoke at a New York news conference. Nolan Xavier Wells was a peacemaker. He did not like to see people argue. Racial division disturbed him.
Civil rights leaders question Nolan Wells’ death, noting violent MS racial past
AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom. Read our AI Policy. Al Sharpton publicly questioned Nolan Xavier Wells’ death. Attorney Ben Crump questions inconsistencies surrounding mysterious death. Tyler Perry will help cover funeral expenses and Sharpton will officiate at the service.
Civil rights leaders question Nolan Wells’ death, noting violent MS racial past
Follow Civil rights leaders question Nolan Wells’ death, noting violent MS racial past Fri, July 10, 2026 at 5:28 PM UTC Add Yahoo as a preferred source to see more of our stories on Google.
Nolan Wells’ grieving parents speak, attorney says son’s death ‘isn’t adding up’
The circumstances surrounding the death of 18-year-old Nolan Xavier Wells of Ocean Springs aren’t adding up, family attorney Ben Crump told Michael Strahan on Friday in a Good Morning America interview, the first featuring Wells’ family. The death of Wells, who is Black, came after he boated with white friends to Horn Island, where hundreds celebrated the Fourth of July about 6 miles offshore.
Nolan Wells’ grieving parents speak, attorney says son’s death ‘isn’t adding up’
The circumstances surrounding the death of 18-year-old Nolan Xavier Wells of Ocean Springs aren't adding up, family attorney Ben Crump told Michael Strahan on Friday in a Good Morning America interview, the first featuring Wells' family. The death of Wells, who is Black, came after he boated with white friends to Horn Island, where hundreds celebrated the Fourth of July about 6 miles offshore.
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