Federal prosecutors have charged three individuals from Illinois, Ohio, and California with threatening a judge, witnesses, and Mississippi officials investigating the death of Nolan Wells, an 18-year-old who disappeared during a July 4 boat trip to Horn Island off Mississippi’s Gulf Coast.
Online Harassment Escalates to Criminal Charges
Edward James Porter of Berwyn, Illinois, faces charges after allegedly calling an unnamed witness and threatening to kill the witness and their family. Court documents reveal Porter also threatened another Mississippi resident during a separate phone call, saying he would cut the person up and place them in a suitcase. Prosecutors charged Porter on July 31.
Michelle Francine Edwards of Ohio allegedly made more than 20 calls to the George County Chancery Clerk’s Office and threatened the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office on July 23. According to the criminal complaint, Edwards repeatedly told officials the clock is ticking while making bomb threats. Her attorney, Brad Moermond, confirmed she pleaded not guilty on August 3 and was released on bond with conditions.
Judge Targeted After Family Connection Revealed
Joseph Alfredo Vasquez Dumarce of California allegedly sent a threatening Facebook message to Jackson County Chancery Judge Ashlee Cole, warning that a bomb would be sent to her office. Cole previously deactivated her social media accounts after receiving threats directed at her family. Her stepson, Warren Hudson, was among the group of friends with Wells on Horn Island when the teenager disappeared.
In a Facebook statement, Cole said her son fully cooperated with investigators and denied allegations that the family interfered with the investigation. Federal prosecutors noted that all three defendants had no known connection to Wells, his family, or others directly involved in the case. The alleged threats unfolded amid intense online speculation and misinformation surrounding the investigation.
Investigation Continues as Community Faces Division
Wells, a Black teenager and Southwest Mississippi Community College football player, was the only Black person in the group traveling to Horn Island that day. Authorities recovered his body on July 7 after an extensive search. An independent autopsy commissioned by Wells’ family found his cause of death to be undetermined, while the official state autopsy has not been publicly released. Investigators have not arrested or identified any suspects in connection with Wells’ death. The family of Warren Hudson recently launched a fundraiser that raised more than $159,000 to cover anticipated legal expenses as they pursue action against people who falsely accused the teenagers of involvement in Wells’ death.