It’s no secret that racial tension has remained a constant in the United States. In recent weeks, we’ve seen an uptick in reported violence against young Black boys and men that is not only concerning but heartbreaking. As many of these scenarios have ongoing cases, the through line is clear as each of them tie back to a person of color being allegedly or proven hurt at the hands of those tied to another racial group. As the investigation continues for Nolan Wells, here are the other Black boys and young men that have passed away within a similar timeline.
Jerard “Jay” Jackson
After traveling to the Electric Forest Festival in Rothbury, Michigan, Jerard Jackson made his way to the event alongside his friends–all of whom were a blend of White and Latin Americans. Soon after reporting criminal activity among his friend group, Jackson moved himself away from the group and was soon after reported missing on June 29, 2026. According to the Detroit Free Press, police later located Jackson’s body near the premises of the concert and his rental vehicle in a wooded area. While local authorities have ruled the case a suicide with no indication of foul play, Jackson’s family believes there are other scenarios that may have taken place. At this time, a final report from the medical examiner is waiting to be released to determine the cause of death.
Kohen Wiley
Similar to Nolan Wells, Kohen Wiley’s death also happened in Mississippi after the 1-year-old was shot by local law enforcement on June 14, 2026, after initially being called to respond to a call about alleged shoplifting at a local Walmart. After officers opened fire on the vehicle, one of the bullets hit Kohen as officers were not aware that there was an infant in the vehicle. Wiley’s mother, Vellesiya Wiley, noted in a press conference that she is not only still processing the grief of her child but is still recounting the day of the incident where she watched her son’s last breath in real time.
According to AP News, the bullet entered through Wiley’s torso on the right side and exited through his left along with cuts on his chest and abdomen that were caused as a result of broken glass from the window. Local residents in Senatobia, Mississippi, alongside Wiley’s family and legal team, are calling for the release of footage tied to the case to fully confirm whether striking the vehicle was necessary.
Tyrin Johnson
20-year-old Tennessee native, Tyrin Johnson, was fatally shot by National Guard soldiers during the Fourth of July weekend. This came after Johnson was being chased by the officers. Officers have said that Johnson allegedly pulled a gun on the soldiers which resulted in the shooting, but this has yet to be confirmed. Memphis locals alongside Johnson’s family are pushing for the release of footage from that day to recount the events that occurred to ensure a transparent investigation process. According to AP News, Johnson’s grandfather confirmed that he was carrying a gun after a recent incident of being jumped but doesn’t believe that he’d fire on law enforcement nor that excessive force should’ve been used in the situation. According to WREG, vigil attendees confirmed that Johnson was one of four people that have died so far within the last 60 days after encountering Memphis’ Safe Streets Task Force.