The investigation into Nolan Wells’ death has taken another unexpected turn after a newly shared text message reignited debate over communication between the families involved.

The latest development comes from Brandon Tatum, a former police officer and YouTuber who recently interviewed Wells’ friend Warren Hudson about the events leading up to the 18 year old’s disappearance on Mississippi’s Horn Island.

After releasing the interview, Tatum posted what he described as a screenshot of a text message from Ashlee Cole, Hudson’s stepmother, claiming it contradicts earlier statements made by Nolan’s mother, Christine Wonsley, about whether any parents had reached out to her after her son went missing.

Wells disappeared on July 4 after traveling by boat to Horn Island with friends. His body was found in the water near the island’s northwest shore two days later after an extensive search.

Screenshot sparks online debate

Sharing the image on X, Tatum claimed the message showed that Cole had attempted to contact Wonsley before public comments suggested otherwise.

The screenshot reportedly contains a message that reads:

“Christine, this is Ashlee Cole. If, or when, you ever want to talk to me, this is my number.”

Tatum argued that the exchange challenged earlier claims that no parents had contacted Wells’ family, adding that Wonsley later clarified her comments during a CNN interview.

Who is Ashlee Cole?

Ashlee Cole is the stepmother of Warren Hudson, one of the friends who accompanied Wells to Horn Island on July 4.

As public attention surrounding the case intensified, Hudson’s friends and relatives said they became the targets of online harassment and death threats.

Cole, who serves as a Chancery Court judge, briefly deactivated her social media accounts before later explaining that the decision was made to protect her family’s privacy.

She also shared screenshots of threatening messages she said her family had received.

In a Facebook statement, Cole said her family would not be speaking publicly about the case while the investigation continues.

“We have decided that we will not be speaking to the press at this time,” she wrote.

“The media is not the appropriate forum to further elaborate on the facts of July 4, 2026.”

Cole also said that despite the online threats directed at her family, they wanted to cooperate directly with Wells’ relatives and their legal team.

“We have not had the opportunity to speak to the Wells Wonsley family or their attorney. However, we are willing to directly communicate with attorney Ben Crump and the Wells Wonsley family.”

She added that her family intends to share everything they know about that day.

“We will provide them with all the information known to us so their family can rest and properly mourn. We also want to know what happened to Nolan. We will do everything within our power to assist Nolan’s family in their quest for answers.”

Investigation remains ongoing

Civil rights attorney Ben Crump, who represents Wells’ family, has previously said that the young men who were with Nolan on the boating trip have each retained legal counsel.

Meanwhile, Jackson County Sheriff John Ledbetter has maintained that everyone involved has continued cooperating with investigators as authorities work to establish exactly what happened during Wells’ final hours.

The newly surfaced text message has added another layer to an already closely watched investigation, though officials have not indicated that it changes the direction of the case.