Berwyn Man Charged With Threatening Witnesses in Mississippi Teen's Death

A man from Berwyn, Illinois, is facing federal charges for allegedly attempting to intimidate witnesses in the case of Nolan Wells, a Black teenager found dead after a Fourth of July trip in Mississippi.

Threats Sent to Witnesses

Federal prosecutors claim Edward James Porter sent death threats to two witnesses connected to the investigation into Wells’ death. Porter repeatedly called one witness from an apartment in Berwyn, threatening to kill the witness, their family, and reveal their address. He also allegedly threatened a second witness, stating he would kill them, their family, and any police officers involved, and that he would dismember the witness and place them in a suitcase.

Investigation and Legal Action

Investigators traced the threatening calls using subpoenas served on Boost Mobile. A federal judge initially granted Porter bond, but prosecutors appealed, leading a federal judge in Mississippi to order a stay of the bond and a transfer of Porter to Mississippi for a hearing next month.

Additional Charges

Two other individuals, Michelle Francine Edwards of Ohio and Joseph Alfredo Vasquez Dumarce of California, have also been charged. Edwards is accused of placing a bomb threat at the George County Chancery Clerk’s Office in Mississippi, while Dumarce allegedly sent a threatening Facebook message to a Jackson County Chancery Court judge.

Background on the Case

Nolan Wells, a Black teenager, disappeared after a boat trip with friends in Mississippi on July 4th. His body was found two days later, and the cause of death remains undetermined. Wells had traveled to an island with a group of white high school friends and decided to stay behind.