Sheriff in Nolan Wells investigation asks anyone with evidence to come forward

The Mississippi sheriff at the center of the investigation into the mysterious death of Nolan Wells insists the public can have confidence in the ongoing probe, even as the unanswered questions about what happened on Horn Island July 4 have fueled speculation and amped up the pressure to get answers. 

It's now nearly ten days since Wells was last seen. Every shred of evidence offered by the public helps and could even lead to blowing the case wide open, Jackson County Sheriff John Ledbetter said Monday. 

"Even if you may think that it might be insignificant. Every little bit helps, and that may be a bigger contribution than you think to this case," Ledbetter told ABC News. 

Jackson County investigators are working in tandem with the local District Attorney -- which does not necessarily indicate what happened to Wells involved a crime. 

"Nolan Wells' family deserves a thorough and factual investigation, and that's exactly what they're going to get," Ledbetter said — adding they want to get it done right, not only fast. "I think it is important that we do not put ourselves on a timetable and we do not rush ourselves, but I also think it is important to be diligent in gathering all of the facts." 

The very thing that makes Horn Island such an idyllic spot to hang out for the day is what makes the case tricky for investigators, as ABC News has reported: the rustic beauty also means spotty cell service and no surveillance cameras, making for a perfect storm for a complex investigation. It's why authorities have asked anyone who was here on July 4 with Nolan Wells to come forward as they run down each tip. 

Sheriff Ledbetter said they are aware of a wide range of rumors, including whether substance abuse may have been involved that day. Friends of Wells like Tracestin Shepherd say the group spent time on Horn Island swimming and drinking alcohol that day. 

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Those and other rumors "have been brought to our attention," Ledbetter said — and it's their job to run down each one. "We act on the information that we get, and we're looking for factual information, witness, firsthand witness knowledge that we could use to this case."