Questions About Trust: Families Call for Independent Reviews in Several Mississippi Death Investigations

Several Black families in Mississippi are calling for greater transparency and independent reviews after raising concerns about the investigations into the deaths of their loved ones.

The discussion has focused on four cases that families say deserve additional scrutiny:

• Nolan Xavier Wells (18), whose body was found near Horn Island in July 2026. Authorities have described his death as an accidental drowning, while his family has retained attorney Ben Crump and requested an independent autopsy. The family says they continue to have unanswered questions.
• Damien Cameron (29), who died in 2021 following an encounter with Rankin County deputies. The state medical examiner ruled the manner of death “undetermined,” while an independent forensic review later concluded the death was a homicide.
• Demartravion “Trey” Reed (21), a Delta State University student whose death in September 2025 was ruled a suicide. His family has publicly disputed that conclusion and sought an independent autopsy.
• Channon Wilson (13), whose 2022 drowning was ruled accidental. His family has questioned the investigation and has said they believe important evidence was not fully considered.

These cases have led some families and advocates to question whether independent forensic reviews should play a larger role in investigations involving disputed deaths.

At the same time, it is important to recognize that only one of these cases—Damien Cameron’s—has had an independent review that publicly reached a different conclusion from the state’s findings. The other cases remain under review, involve ongoing investigations, or include unresolved disputes between families and official determinations.

For the families involved, this issue is about more than individual cases. They say they are seeking transparency, accountability, and confidence that every investigation is conducted thoroughly and impartially.

As these cases continue to develop, many are calling for the evidence to be examined carefully and for any remaining questions to be answered through the investigative and legal process.