The family of Nolan Wells, a Black teenager who died after a July Fourth boat trip, will work with a local prosecutor to inspect his phone.

The family previously said messages seemed erased from the phone before they got it back.

They met with District Attorney Angel Myers McIlrath on Wednesday.

Attorney Ben Crump said McIlrath committed to presenting the investigation to a grand jury.

Wells traveled to Horn Island with friends but did not return with them.

His mother reported him missing on July 5.

His body was recovered near the island the next day.

Authorities initially said they did not suspect foul play.

An official autopsy is pending.

The family has questioned why friends left Wells behind but took his keys and phone.

They retrieved his phone from a friend's home on July 4.

Crump said an expert will try to recover data from the phone in cooperation with investigators.

The Congressional Black Caucus has called for an independent investigation.