Story perspectives

Federal Probe Urged After Mississippi “No True Bill” in Death

By Drooid · Oct 6, 2026, 10:28 AM UTC · How we work

Summary

Wonsleys Demand Federal Probe

Christine and Elmore Wonsley called for a federal investigation after a Mississippi jury declined to indict.
A 23-member grand jury issued a ‘no true bill,’ finding no credible evidence of criminal conduct.
State and private autopsies listed the death’s cause and manner as undetermined, noting scalp contusions but no fatal injury.
Attorney Ben Crump, Cynthia Choi, Rep. Frederica Wilson and the Congressional Black Caucus urged federal agencies to investigate.

Summary

Trascher Accuses Crump

United Cajun Navy leader Brian Trascher accused Ben Crump’s group of misrepresenting evidence on location and phone messages.
The group posted on X denying trauma, claiming light bruising and altered sea-tow call captions.
United Cajun Navy urged the Justice Department to investigate Crump, alleging he incited terrorism after Mississippi bomb threats.
Christine Wells-Wonsley received the Asian Pacific American Women’s Forum “Voice of Courage” Award amid online harassment and nursing-career threats.

History

Historical Context

In June 1964, the murders of James Chaney, Andrew Goodman and Michael Schwerner in Mississippi led Justice Department to allocate a $25,000 reward and secure convictions of seven conspirators under the 1870 Enforcement Act, federal homicide prosecutions for civil-rights violations. Outrage helped pass the 1965 Voting Rights Act, and today attorney Ben Crump with Congressional Black Caucus is urging a federal review of the Wonsley case.

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Wonsleys Demand Federal Probe

Christine and Elmore Wonsley called for a federal investigation after a Mississippi jury declined to indict.
A 23-member grand jury issued a ‘no true bill,’ finding no credible evidence of criminal conduct.
State and private autopsies listed the death’s cause and manner as undetermined, noting scalp contusions but no fatal injury.
Attorney Ben Crump, Cynthia Choi, Rep. Frederica Wilson and the Congressional Black Caucus urged federal agencies to investigate.

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