Mississippi judges are entrusted with one of the highest responsibilities in our justice system: to uphold the law fairly, impartially, and in a manner that preserves public confidence in the courts.

That confidence is called into question when a sitting judge publicly comments on an active death investigation involving her own son while identifying herself as a judge.

Chancellor Judge Ashlee Cole published multiple public statements regarding the investigation into the death of Nolan Xavier Wells. In those statements, she identified herself as a judge, defended her son's actions, discussed the investigation, and provided factual assertions about what occurred. Her statements were later amplified by national media, reaching a much broader audience.

Whether those statements violated the Mississippi Code of Judicial Conduct is a question for the Mississippi Commission on Judicial Performance. But if the Commission determines that Judge Cole used the prestige of her office in a manner inconsistent with the Code, or otherwise engaged in conduct warranting discipline, the public deserves meaningful accountability.

Judges must be held to the highest ethical standards. Public confidence in the judiciary depends not only on actual fairness, but also on the appearance of fairness. When those standards are breached, appropriate consequences—including removal from judicial office where warranted—should follow.

We call upon the Mississippi Commission on Judicial Performance to conduct a full, independent investigation into Judge Cole's conduct. If the Commission concludes that she committed serious violations of the Mississippi Code of Judicial Conduct, we urge it to recommend the discipline authorized under Mississippi law, including removal from office if justified by its findings.

No judge should be above the ethical rules that govern every member of the judiciary. Accountability strengthens public trust, and public trust is essential to justice.

Sign this petition to support an independent investigation and, if the evidence warrants it, the removal of Judge Ashlee Cole from the bench for substantial interference in the3 Nolan Wells case.