A third suspect has been arrested in connection with a series of alleged threats targeting witnesses involved in the ongoing investigation into the death of Mississippi teenager Nolan Wells, as federal authorities continue to crack down on intimidation surrounding the high-profile case.

According to federal court records, Edward James Porter, 40, of Berwyn, Illinois, has been charged with transmitting threatening communications across state lines. Investigators allege Porter sent a series of violent text messages and made phone calls threatening to kill two witnesses connected to the investigation.

Prosecutors claim Porter allegedly told one witness that he knew where they lived and threatened to murder the witness and their family. Court documents further allege that he made graphic statements about dismembering one victim and placing the body inside a suitcase. Authorities also say he threatened to kill any law enforcement officers who responded.

Investigators traced the threatening communications to Porter after obtaining records from his mobile phone provider. He was taken into custody and now faces federal charges related to interstate threats.

Porter is the third person charged over threats linked to the Nolan Wells investigation. Earlier arrests included individuals accused of making bomb threats and sending death threats to public officials and others connected to the case. Authorities have emphasized that these prosecutions are separate from the investigation into Wells’ death itself.

The death of 18-year-old Nolan Wells has drawn national attention since he disappeared during a Fourth of July trip to Horn Island, Mississippi. His body was discovered two days later, but investigators have not announced a final cause of death, and no one has been charged in connection with his death. The official investigation remains ongoing while authorities continue to review evidence and await final findings.

Federal officials have repeatedly warned that threats against witnesses, investigators, or public officials will be aggressively prosecuted. As the mystery surrounding Wells’ death continues to unfold, law enforcement says protecting those involved in the investigation remains a top priority.