A Mississippi grand jury has declared there is insufficient evidence to file criminal charges in the death of Nolan Wells. This announcement came from the Jackson County District Attorney’s office on Monday night. The grand jury issued a ‘no true bill’ after executing 132 subpoenas and reviewing testimonies from 43 witnesses.
The report indicated that the ‘position of, condition of, time of discovery, and location’ of Wells’ body were ‘consistent with drowning.’ An independent autopsy had earlier stated the cause and manner of Wells’ death were pending further investigation. Authorities initially believed he drowned.
The report noted bruising on Wells’ head, but the injury was not fatal. No evidence of fatal injuries or organic diseases was found in his body. The grand jury also confirmed that Wells did not have cocaine in his system at the time of his death and no evidence suggested he used cocaine.
District Attorney Angel Myers McIlrath expressed the community’s devastation over Wells’ death, stating in a video message, ‘There is absolutely no evidence to support the allegations that Nolan’s death and disappearance were racially motivated.’
The grand jury’s decision comes after months of speculation surrounding the circumstances of Wells’ disappearance and death. Wells, aged 18, went to Horn Island with friends on July 4 by boat to celebrate Independence Day. The island lies roughly 10 miles from the Mississippi Gulf Coast. Wells was last seen there at around 3 p.m., and he did not return to the mainland with others. The group traveled using three boats: the Triton, the Palm Beach, and the Tideline.
Findings revealed Wells chose to remain on Horn Island on the afternoon of July 4 after the boats departed. Others also stayed behind to socialize. The grand jury found no credible evidence implicating any individuals who traveled to or from the island in criminal activity related to Wells’ death.
A search operation involving local and state agencies, the Coast Guard, first responders, and the United Cajun Navy was conducted. Wells’ body was discovered on the northwest tip of Horn Island on July 6 by a U.S. park ranger.
The Wells family had previously questioned the circumstances of his disappearance and death, seeking an independent investigation. They hired attorney Ben Crump, who emphasized Wells’ position as a beloved son, teammate, and friend. Crump stated, ‘His family deserves answers. They deserve the truth.’ He called for a thorough investigation of the events on Horn Island.
The Jackson County Sheriff’s Office had requested videos and pictures from Horn Island, specifically looking for footage capturing any alleged altercations. Social media content showed numerous people and boats around the island, yet authorities had not confirmed the occurrence of a dispute. Sheriff John Ledbetter noted the investigation into the provided video.
For more information on this story, please contact Newsweek editor Edward T. Cummins.