A Berwyn, Illinois, man accused of threatening people connected to the investigation into Nolan Wells’ death has a long record of arrests involving violence, theft and violations of court orders, according to records reviewed by investigators. Edward James Porter, 33, is now facing a federal charge after allegedly threatening to kill witnesses and their relatives. He is also accused of making a separate threat to cut up a witness and put the remains in a suitcase. Porter is being held in federal custody as questions remain over Wells’ death and has drawn fresh attention nationwide.
Edward James Porter’s past includes arrests, gun threats and court cases
Porter’s criminal history dates back to 2011, with records showing about two dozen arrests. The cases included domestic violence, theft and breaking court orders of protection, according to records obtained by NBC 5 Investigates.Police also dealt with Porter over a firearm threat involving an ex-girlfriend. He had an Illinois Firearm Owner’s Identification card and a handgun. Police said he threatened her, telling her, “I’m going to shoot you…” The charges were later dropped after the woman did not continue with the case. Records do not show whether Porter got the gun or FOID card back.His record also includes several later arrests involving allegations of gun violence, assault and threats. Many of those cases were eventually dropped because victims did not testify. That history is now being examined as Porter faces a federal case tied to the Nolan Wells investigation.
Nolan Wells death case: What the new Edward James Porter details show
Wells, an 18-year-old from Mississippi, disappeared during a July 4 boat trip to Horn Island with friends. His body was found in the water two days later. The circumstances of his death remain unresolved.An independent autopsy commissioned by his family found the cause and manner of death “undetermined pending investigation” and said foul play could not be ruled out. The official state autopsy results have not been publicly released.The threats involving Porter are separate from the question of who caused Wells’ death. Authorities have not accused Porter of killing Wells. Instead, federal prosecutors say Porter inserted himself into the investigation by contacting people connected to the case.Court records cited in the investigation say phone calls and internet records linked the threats to Porter and the Berwyn apartment where he was living. He allegedly threatened to kill a witness, the witness’s family and any police officers who responded. In another alleged threat, he said he was going to cut up a witness and put the remains “into a suitcase.”Porter was arrested in Berwyn after federal agents, accompanied by local police, took him into custody. NBC 5 Investigates reported that he did not resist. He is being held by federal authorities and is due in court in Gulfport, Mississippi, on Sept. 2.For now, the Wells investigation and the federal case against Porter remain separate legal matters. The new records add more detail about the man accused of making threats, but they do not answer the central question surrounding Nolan Wells’ death.
