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The arrests come 6 years after the North Texas teen's death in a sex-trafficking case
COLLIN COUNTY – After six years, Mary Wells of Cleburne says she finally feels the weight off her shoulders after her daughter's death. Three people have been arrested and charged in connection with the cold case.
Wells said sharing her daughter's story is incredibly difficult, but necessary.
“If we can save one child, one girl, one boy, one woman, then it's all worth it,” she said. “Then it's all worth it… because we can't let him die in vain.”
Six years ago, she experienced every parent's worst nightmare. Texas state troopers showed up at her door, notifying her of Julia's death.
She said they told her it appeared she had been run over by a car on the north Dallas overpass. The car was registered to a known human trafficker.
“My first thought was what the hell is she doing in Dallas?” Wells said. The last message he sent me was: “Mom I'm going to my friend's house. On Thursday I will be at home to get ready for graduation on Saturday”.
She says Julia had autism and was incredibly trusting.
“Julia was so full of life,” Wells said. “When she walked into a room, everyone knew she was there.”
Investigators told Wells that the friend Julia said was actually with him, luring her into a sex-trafficking operation, taking her from place to place in the two days leading up to her death. To this day, Wells isn't sure how they met.
“They called them 'bottom girls' and that's who became her friend and her name was Anna Hudson,” she said.
For six years, Wells has worked tirelessly to seek justice for her daughter. This week, Hudson, along with Mark Dailey and Nikki Jordan, were arrested in connection with the crime.
“I don't hate them, but I pray for them,” Wells said. “I pray for them all the time, but I want justice for Julia.”
This is the first time Collin County authorities are prosecuting human trafficking resulting in death, which is a first-degree felony.
“It's unique in that it's never been done before, especially since we know human trafficking is happening everywhere,” said Wells family attorney Jennifer Falk.
“These indictments and arrests mark the end of a multi-year, multi-agency investigation into the death of Julia Wells, and we hope this will serve as the first step in seeking justice for Julia in a court of law,” said Collin County District Attorney. Greg Willis in a statement.
“Sex trafficking will not be tolerated in Texas,” he added.
Editor's note: The CBS News Texas I-Team has covered extensively sex and human trafficking.
For those who want to volunteer, donate and/or learn more about sex trafficking in the US, visit one of the following sites:
Genesis Women's Shelter and Support
- For more information about donating, click here.
- For more information about a guided educational bus tour discussing the reality of sex trafficking in Dallas, click here.
North Texas Coalition Against Human Trafficking
