Mississippi Grand Jury Finds No Evidence for Charges in Nolan Wells Case

A grand jury in Mississippi concluded there is not enough evidence to file criminal charges in the death of Nolan Wells, as the Jackson County District Attorney’s office revealed Monday night. The grand jury delivered a “no true bill” after executing 132 subpoenas and hearing testimonies from 43 witnesses.

The report disclosed that the grand jury deemed the “position of, condition of, time of discovery, and location” of Wells’ body to be “consistent with drowning.” Previously, an independent autopsy indicated that the cause and manner of Wells’ death remained unclear pending further investigation. Authorities had initially suspected drowning.

The report noted Wells had a bruise on the back of his head, which was not severe enough to cause death. The grand jury found no signs of fatal injuries or organic diseases in his body. Furthermore, the jury established that “Mr. Wells did not have cocaine in his system at the time of his death” and found no evidence of past cocaine use.

In response to the findings, District Attorney Angel Myers McIlrath expressed that Wells’ death “devastated our community.” She stated in a video announcement, “There is absolutely no evidence to support the allegations that Nolan’s death and disappearance were racially motivated.” The grand jury’s announcement follows extensive speculation over the circumstances of Wells’ disappearance and death.

Wells, 18, visited Horn Island with friends by boat on July 4 for Independence Day celebrations. This barrier island is located about 10 miles off the Mississippi Gulf Coast. Investigators recorded Wells being last seen on the island around 3 p.m.; he did not return to the mainland with others. The group made the journey using three boats: the Triton, the Palm Beach, and the Tideline.

The jury determined Wells stayed voluntarily on Horn Island on the afternoon of July 4 after the boats Triton, Palm Beach, and Tideline left. Several others stayed behind on the island for socializing. The jury found no reliable evidence suggesting those on or around the boats engaged in criminal behavior linked to Wells’ death.

A search operation involving local and state forces, the Coast Guard, first responders, and the United Cajun Navy ensued. Wells’ body was found on July 6 by a U.S. park ranger at Horn Island’s northwestern tip.

Previously, the Wells family had expressed skepticism about the circumstances of his disappearance and death, calling for an impartial investigation. The family hired attorney Ben Crump, who described Wells as a cherished son, teammate, and friend.

“His family deserves answers. They deserve the truth,” Crump said. “We will not rest until every fact about what happened to Nolan on Horn Island is brought into the light, and we call on investigators to pursue this case with the urgency and transparency this family deserves.”

The Jackson County Sheriff’s Office requested images and videos from Horn Island that might reveal or include audio of alleged altercations. Social media videos and posts highlighted numerous individuals and boats, yet no confirmed disputes were reported. Sheriff John Ledbetter noted investigators were reviewing available footage.

Newsweek has contacted attorney Ben Crump via email on Monday evening.