Summer Wells, 5, Disappears From Rural Tennessee Home: Dad In Handcuffs
Crime Stories with Nancy GraceSummary
The ongoing investigation into the disappearance of five-year-old Summer Wells has taken a dramatic turn with the recent arrest of her father, Don Wells, for domestic violence. Authorities responded to a late-night call at the family home in rural Tennessee, where they found Don outside with visible injuries and his wife, Candace, inside with injuries she attributed to him. This incident has reignited scrutiny over the family's troubled history, including previous domestic violence allegations and the removal of Summer's siblings from the home shortly after her disappearance in 2021.
Experts discussing the case highlight the concerning living conditions in the Wells' home, which have been described as inadequate for children. The family's history with the Department of Child Services (DCS) has raised questions about their parenting capabilities, leading to the eventual signing away of their parental rights. Don Wells has made various claims regarding Summer's disappearance, including blaming drug dealers and suggesting that she may have been abducted, but no substantial evidence has emerged to support these theories.
As the investigation continues, the focus remains on the circumstances surrounding Summer's last known whereabouts and the implications of her father's arrest. While no charges have been filed against either parent regarding Summer's disappearance, the ongoing legal troubles and the family's history of domestic violence complicate the narrative surrounding this tragic case.
Show Notes
Five-year-old Summer Wells vanished without a trace from her rural Hawkins County, Tennessee home in June 2021 after heading inside to play, leaving investigators puzzled by a squalid, makeshift home and dead-end searches across the Appalachian terrain. Now, the case is back in the headlines after deputies rushed to the Wells residence late at night following a panicked text to 911 from Summer's mother, Candace, who reported that her husband, Donald "Don" Wells, had assaulted her during an alcohol-fueled rage and threatened to "get rid of her." Nancy Grace and her panel of investigative and forensic experts break down Don Wells' latest arrest, his violent criminal history, the couple’s decision to sign away custody of their remaining children, and his shifting excuses as Summer remains missing. Joining Nancy Grace Today: Jo-Anna Nieves (Oakland, CA) - Criminal defense attorney and Founder of The Nieves Law Firm, Instagram, Facebook and X: nieveslawfirm, YouTube and TikTok: thenieveslawfirm Dr. John Delatorre (TX) - Licensed psychologist and mediator, specializing in forensic psychology, psychological consultant to Project Absentis, a non-profit organization that searches for missing persons, Twitter, IG, and TikTok: @drjohndelatorre
Chris McDonough (UT) - Director at the Cold Case Foundation, Former Homicide Detective, worked over 300 Homicides in 25-year career, Trained the first Native American Homicide Task Force; & Host of YouTube channel, "The Interview Room” Kristen Quon (Bristol, VA) - News Anchor at News 5 WCYB, website: WCYB.com, X: KristenQuon, Facebook: Kristen Quon WCYB Dave Mack (AL) - Investigative Reporter, 'Crime Stories' See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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