Ben Crump

The parents of Nolan Wells and civil rights figures Ben Crump and Rev Al Sharpton spoke at the National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ) convention in Atlanta. They addressed the death of 18-year-old college student Nolan Wells, who was found dead after a boating trip with friends on July 6th. Concerns were raised regarding racial speculation about his disappearance and the investigation into his death.

An Aurora police officer is expected to be indicted by a grand jury for shooting and killing 37-year-old Black man Rajon Belt-Stubblefield during an attempted traffic stop. The incident, captured on body-worn camera and surveillance footage, involved multiple vehicles and a confrontation where Belt-Stubblefield's son pleaded for calm before the officer fired three fatal shots.

Families of Nolan Xavier Wells and Kelsey Harris challenged official death investigations through independent autopsies, highlighting systemic challenges in obtaining answers for disputed deaths. The article details efforts by families to seek transparency in cases involving law enforcement, domestic violence, and unexplained circumstances, with advocates pushing for reforms in death investigation processes.

A former Illinois sheriff’s deputy, Sean Grayson, was denied an early medical release from prison for killing Sonya Massey during a 911 call about a prowler. Grayson, diagnosed with advanced colon cancer, had argued for release citing his health, but the Illinois Prisoner Review Board rejected the request, calling it a 'miscarriage of justice.'

Families of Kelsey Harris and Nolan Xavier Wells have challenged official death investigations, seeking independent autopsies due to distrust in the process. The article highlights broader challenges in obtaining second autopsies, particularly in cases involving Black victims and law enforcement, with advocates pushing for systemic changes in death investigations.

Nolan Wells, an 18-year-old college student, vanished during a Fourth of July boat trip to Horn Island, Mississippi, and his body was found two days later off the coast. The state medical examiner completed an autopsy, while the family commissioned a second autopsy that found the cause of death 'undetermined pending investigation'. A grand jury will review findings to determine if the death was criminal.

The official autopsy for Nolan Wells has been completed, but results are withheld pending a grand jury review. An independent autopsy commissioned by his family ruled the cause and manner of death as 'undetermined pending investigation.' Attorneys Ben Crump and Eric Hertz are leading an independent investigation, collaborating with oceanic experts and seeking a joint phone inspection with the district attorney's office.

The official autopsy for Nolan Wells has been completed, with results sent to a grand jury. An independent autopsy commissioned by his family ruled his death 'undetermined pending investigation,' and his legal team is working with experts to examine evidence, including potential joint phone inspections with authorities.

The official autopsy for 18-year-old Nolan Wells has been completed, but results are being withheld for a grand jury review. An independent autopsy commissioned by his family ruled the cause and manner of death 'undetermined pending investigation.' Investigators, including attorneys Ben Crump and Eric Hertz, are collaborating with experts and the Jackson County district attorney’s office to examine evidence, including phone data, with potential FBI involvement.

Families of Nolan Xavier Wells and Kelsey Harris challenged official death investigations, seeking independent autopsies due to distrust in the system. The article highlights complexities in obtaining second autopsies and systemic issues in death investigations, particularly for Black victims and cases involving law enforcement.

Families of Nolan Xavier Wells and Kelsey Harris have challenged official death investigations, commissioning independent autopsies due to distrust in the systems. The article highlights broader challenges in obtaining second autopsies and systemic failures in suspicious death cases.

Families of three 18-year-old Black men—Tyler Smith, Nolan Wells, and Daniel Erving—who died within three months of each other, demanded answers at the National Urban League Conference in Nashville, alleging police conducted inadequate investigations into their deaths. Civil rights attorney Ben Crump, representing the families, highlighted discrepancies in official findings, including contested autopsies and evidence tampering claims.

Nolan Wells' family has hired audio engineers to review a distress call from a boat on the day he disappeared, which was released by Mississippi authorities. The call described a sinking boat with seven people onboard, but the towing company was later told assistance was no longer needed. An independent autopsy commissioned by the family was inconclusive, and the official cause of death remains under investigation.

The family of 18-year-old Nolan Wells has hired audio engineers to review a distress call from a boat on the day he disappeared. The call, released by Mississippi authorities, involves a July 4 request for assistance due to a sinking boat near Horn Island, where Wells was last seen. The investigation includes claims of unresolved issues on the boat and ongoing online speculation about his death.

Nolan Wells' family has hired audio engineers to review a July 4 distress call from a boat where he was last seen, as part of an ongoing investigation into his death. The recording, released by Mississippi authorities, shows conflicting accounts between the caller and a towing company captain, while the family and legal team seek further transparency and external review of evidence.

The family of Nolan Wells, an 18-year-old who disappeared near Horn Island, Mississippi, has hired audio engineers to review a distress call from a boat on the day of his disappearance. Authorities released the call, which described a sinking boat with seven people on board, but later stated the issue was resolved. The case has sparked online speculation and claims of racial bias in Mississippi.

Nolan Wells' family has hired audio engineers to review a distress call from a boat on the day he disappeared. The call, made to Sea Tow, described a sinking boat with seven people onboard, but a towing company captain later claimed the issue was resolved. The investigation into Wells' death remains inconclusive, with an independent autopsy yielding no definitive cause.

The father of Nolan Wells' self-described best friend has criticized family lawyer Ben Crump for allegedly exploiting the teen's death for financial and political gain, calling it a 'political circus.'

Ben Crump and the family of Nolan Xavier Wells are in Nashville to provide an update on the teen's death. Three families, including Wells', are seeking answers after their teenage sons died within months of each other.

Families of Nolan Xavier Wells and Kelsey Harris are challenging official death investigations, seeking independent autopsies due to distrust in the initial findings. The article highlights systemic challenges in obtaining second autopsies, particularly in cases involving Black victims and domestic violence, with advocates pushing for reforms in suspicious death investigations.

Families questioning official death determinations often seek independent autopsies, as seen in cases like 31-year-old Kelsey Harris, ruled a suicide in 2021, and 18-year-old Nolan Xavier Wells, who died in July 2023 during a boat trip. These cases highlight challenges in obtaining answers and systemic distrust, particularly in deaths involving Black victims or domestic violence contexts.

The National Urban League is hosting its annual conference in Nashville this week. The event features career and networking opportunities, a state of the Urban League address, and multiple luncheons and galas. Notable speakers include former Vice President Kamala Harris, former U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, Kentucky Gov. Andy Besear, and civil rights attorney Ben Crump.

Ben Crump will join families of three deceased Black teens at the National Urban League conference in Nashville. The teens—Nolan Wells, Daniel Erving, and Tyler Smith—died within three months, with families disputing or awaiting official explanations for their deaths. The event will include speakers like Kamala Harris, Pete Buttigieg, and Andy Beshear.

Corey Ruiz was shot and killed by a Madison police officer, prompting his family to demand charges against the officer and the implementation of body cameras for Madison cops. The family, supported by civil rights attorney Ben Crump and state Rep. Shelia Stubbs, criticized the use of deadly force and called for transparency in the Wisconsin Department of Justice investigation.

The United Cajun Navy denied speaking with attorney Ben Crump or informing Nolan Wells' family about his condition, contradicting Crump's claims. Crump alleged the group told the family Nolan was fully clothed, which UCN explicitly refuted.

A police shooting in Madison, Wisconsin, killed Corey Ruiz, sparking cancellations of major summertime events and renewed calls for police reform. The incident marks the third police shooting in the same neighborhood since 2012, reigniting racial justice debates in the predominantly white city.

Madison, Wisconsin, canceled several major summertime events following a police shooting of Corey Ruiz, a Black or Latino man, which reignited calls for police reform and racial justice. Protests disrupted a chamber orchestra concert, delayed a public market opening, and led to the cancellation of AtwoodFest and an early closure of a farmers market.

Madison, Wisconsin, canceled several major summertime events following a police shooting of Corey Ruiz, a Black or Latino man, which reignited discussions on racial justice and police reforms. The incident, the third police shooting in the same neighborhood since 2012, led to protests disrupting concerts, festivals, and markets as the community demanded accountability.

Corey Ruiz, a 38-year-old man, was shot and killed by Madison police during a struggle involving a knife and four officers. His family and civil rights attorney Ben Crump demand criminal charges against the officer who fired three shots, calling the incident an unjustified 'execution.' The officer has been placed on administrative leave, and the city lacks body-worn camera footage due to existing policies.

Corey Ruiz’s family demanded justice after he was shot by Madison police. His lawyer, Ben Crump, stated the officer who fired the shots should face criminal charges.

The Ruiz family demands charges against the Madison police officer who shot and killed Corey Ruiz and calls for body cameras for all officers. They criticize the use of deadly force and seek transparency in the investigation led by the Wisconsin Department of Justice. Family members and civil rights attorney Ben Crump argue the shooting was unnecessary and unconstitutional.

Corey Ruiz was shot and killed by Madison police during a struggle involving a knife, prompting calls for criminal charges and protests. His family, including his mother Elsa Ruiz and 13-year-old daughter Kah’liyah, described him as loving and expressed grief over his death, while police stated he injured an officer before being shot.

Corey Ruiz, a 38-year-old man, was shot and killed by Madison police during a struggle involving a knife, prompting protests and calls for criminal charges from his family and civil rights attorney Ben Crump. The family described Ruiz as loving and emphasized his unjustified death, while police stated he injured an officer before being shot. Four officers involved are on administrative leave as investigations proceed, with no body-camera footage available due to Madison's lack of such requirements.

A police shooting in Madison, Wisconsin, has sparked community outrage after Corey Durell Ruiz, a Black or Latino man with a history of criminal offenses, was killed following an altercation with officers. Protesters and officials demanded accountability, with the mayor and city leaders emphasizing the need to address racial injustice and excessive force.

Black parents are distressed over the death of their Mississippi teen son among white friends. Their lawyer announced the results of an independent autopsy at the N.A.A.C.P. Convention in Chicago.

Nolan Wells' hometown officials defend their investigation into his disappearance and death, following accusations by NAACP President Derrick Johnson that Mississippi officials were 'derelict in their duties.' An independent autopsy found no foul play, while Jackson County officials and state leaders assert they are conducting a thorough and unbiased investigation.

Nolan Xavier Wells, an 18-year-old Black athlete, died during a July 4 boat trip with white friends in Mississippi. An independent autopsy found his cause of death as 'undetermined' with no clear signs of trauma, while conflicting accounts and missing details have raised concerns for his family. The Mississippi sheriff’s department has not publicly updated the investigation.

An independent autopsy commissioned by Nolan Xavier Wells' family found his cause of death to be 'undetermined' pending further investigation. Civil rights attorney Ben Crump announced the preliminary findings at the NAACP National Convention in Chicago.

An independent autopsy of 18-year-old Nolan Xavier Wells found his cause of death to be 'undetermined' due to inconclusive evidence, including a red discoloration on his skull and missing organs from the initial Mississippi medical examiner's autopsy. Civil rights attorney Ben Crump announced the findings, urging state officials to release additional evidence for the family's investigation, while a $125,000 reward is offered for information leading to an arrest.

An independent autopsy of 18-year-old Nolan Xavier Wells found his cause of death to be 'undetermined' due to inconclusive findings, including a red discoloration on his skull and missing organs from a prior autopsy. Civil rights attorney Ben Crump announced the results at the NAACP National Convention, calling for further investigation and transparency.