Some are asking how can files be deleted on a locked device?
Good question.
Here’s what’s being explained about Nolan Wells’ phone, and it matters:
According to Garrett Discovery, the data wasn’t deleted by someone unlocking and scrolling through Nolan’s phone.
Instead, some messages may have disappeared through app features that don’t require access to the device.
For example: on apps like Snapchat and Instagram, a sender can “unsend” or delete messages from their own device. When that happens, those messages can be removed from the recipient’s phone as well, even if it’s locked, as long as it’s still powered on and connected.
Garrett also stated that certain messages sent to Nolan were deleted by the senders, and that the phone remained in a locked state.
There’s also an ongoing debate about what was automatic, like app expiration features, versus what may have been manually removed by other users.
The family’s legal team argues that the timing of these deletions raises serious questions.
That’s where things stand.
I hope that provides clarity.