Nolan Wells‘ death investigation gained another significant contribution, this time from an unexpected source. Dr. Benjamin Hudson, the father of Wells’ friend, Warren Hudson, has offered a $50k reward for information on the death of the Mississippi teen. His gesture came amid intense public scrutiny and death threats.

Reward Announced in Nolan Wells Investigation

Dr. Hudson announced a $50,000 reward Tuesday, July 29, for information leading to an arrest and conviction in connection with the 18-year-old’s death, according to TMZ.

The teen’s father said he hopes the reward will help shed light on the circumstances surrounding Nolan’s death. He also said he hopes the growing reward fund will encourage anyone with credible information to come forward so investigators and Wells’ family can get the answers they have been seeking.

While announcing the reward, Dr. Hudson made it clear that his family is not accusing anyone specific of wrongdoing. He defended the group of teens who were with Wells on Horn Island that day, including his own son. He said he does not believe they were responsible and emphasized that the full picture is still not known.

The doctor also revealed that his family has received thousands of death threats since the case gained widespread attention. He added that the increased public attention may have discouraged potential witnesses from speaking up.

Warren Hudson, who described himself as Wells’ best friend, previously addressed online accusations that he or the group had something to do with Wells’ death. He called the rumors baseless and hurtful. His mother has also said her son fully cooperated with investigators from the beginning.

The new reward adds to an already substantial pool of reward money tied to the case. Nolan Wells’ cause of death remains undetermined as the investigation continues. The case is still expected to eventually go before a grand jury.