A grand jury in Mississippi has decided unanimously that there is not enough evidence to file criminal charges in the case of Nolan Wells’ death, as announced by the Jackson County District Attorney’s office on Monday night. The jury issued a ‘no true bill’ after subpoenaing 132 individuals and hearing from 43 witnesses.
The grand jury reported that aspects related to Wells’ body such as its position, condition, timing of discovery, and location aligned with a drowning incident. An independent autopsy had previously confirmed that while Wells’ cause and manner of death were pending further investigation, authorities believed he drowned.
The report noted that Wells had a bruise on the back of his head, though this was not lethal. The jury found no signs of fatal injuries or organic diseases in his system.
The grand jury also stated Wells did not have cocaine in his system at the time of his death. No evidence was found to indicate he had ever used cocaine.
District Attorney Angel Myers McIlrath expressed the community’s devastation following Wells’ death, clarifying that there was no proof supporting claims that his death involved racial motivations.
Nolan Wells, aged 18, joined friends on July 4th by boat to Horn Island to celebrate Independence Day. Horn Island is located roughly 10 miles from the Mississippi Gulf Coast. He was last seen on the island at about 3 p.m. and did not return to the mainland with his group. The boats in use were named the Triton, the Palm Beach, and the Tideline.
The grand jury found Wells remained on Horn Island on July 4th after the boats left. Others stayed to socialize. No credible evidence suggested criminal activity connected to Wells’ death by any of the travelers or those involved with the boats.
A search operation involving local and state agencies, the Coast Guard, first responders, and the United Cajun Navy took place. Wells’ body was found by a U.S. park ranger on July 6 at the northwestern part of Horn Island.
His family had raised concerns about his disappearance and death, requesting an independent investigation. Attorney Ben Crump, retained by the family, emphasized Wells’ valued role in the family and community. Crump urged investigators to diligently uncover all facts regarding Wells’ events on Horn Island.
The Jackson County Sheriff’s Office asked for videos and photographs from Horn Island, specifically any footage showing or containing alleged altercations. Despite social media posts and videos depicting numerous individuals and boats, authorities confirmed no disputes happened. Sheriff John Ledbetter acknowledged the existence of videos during the investigation.
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