A Mississippi grand jury has unanimously declined to press criminal charges in the death of Nolan Wells, 18, after reviewing evidence that his drowning was consistent with the circumstances of his body’s discovery.
The Jackson County Grand Jury returned a "no true bill"—a decision that no criminal charges are warranted—following a review of 132 subpoenas and testimony from 43 witnesses. The jury’s findings, released late Monday, concluded that the position, condition, time of discovery, and location of Wells’ body were "consistent with drowning."
Key Findings from the Grand Jury Report
- The jury found no evidence of fatal injuries or organic disease in Wells’ body, though bruising on the back of his head was noted as non-fatal.
- Toxicology reports confirmed no cocaine was present in Wells’ system at the time of his death, contradicting prior unconfirmed claims.
- The jury determined Wells’ death was not racially motivated, addressing public speculation following his disappearance.
Circumstances of Wells’ Disappearance
Wells vanished on July 4 after celebrating Independence Day with friends on Horn Island, a barrier island about 10 miles off the Mississippi Gulf Coast. He was last seen on the island around 3 p.m. but did not return to the mainland with the rest of his group, which had traveled via three boats: the Triton, the Palm Beach, and the Tideline. His body was recovered in the waters off Horn Island two days later.
Official Responses
Jackson County District Attorney Angel Myers McIlrath stated in a video message that Wells’ death has "devastated our community." She emphasized that the investigation found "absolutely no evidence" to support allegations of racial motivation in his death.
An independent autopsy conducted prior to the grand jury’s review had left the cause and manner of Wells’ death undetermined, pending further investigation. Authorities had previously indicated they believed Wells drowned, though the final determination required a grand jury’s assessment of all evidence, including the state medical examiner’s completed autopsy report.
The grand jury’s decision concludes the criminal investigation into Wells’ death, though the case remains under review for any potential civil or administrative actions.