USA22 September, 20263 min read
Jackson County Grand Jury Declines To Indict Anyone In Nolan Wells Death
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Grand jury unanimously returned a no true bill, no charges in Nolan Wells' death. Investigation reviewed phone forensics, GPS logs, security footage; Wells disappeared July 4 on Horn Island.
No Charges in Wells Death
A Jackson County grand jury unanimously declined to indict anyone in the death of Nolan Wells, and Jackson County District Attorney Angel Myers McIlrath said late on Monday that no criminal charges were warranted. The grand jury report said the "position of, the condition of, time of discovery, and location" of Wells' body off the coast of Mississippi was "consistent with drowning," and the report said the process was based on the evidence and autopsy materials reviewed by the panel. The grand jury also found "no credible evidence to support the public allegations" that anyone who rode to or from Horn Island on July 4, 2026 on the Triton, the Palm Beach, or the Tideline engaged in any criminal conduct related to Wells' death.
The report said the toxicology findings were not particularly informative because decomposition fluid is an unreliable source, and it said Wells had no cocaine in his system and no evidence he'd ever used it. The grand jury said it was still unclear how Wells got a bruise on the back of his head, and a witness testified under oath that Wells "slip[ped] awkwardly off the side of a boat" but the witness could not say whether Wells struck his head during the fall.
Family Challenges Findings
Nolan Wells' family pushed back after the grand jury found no basis for charges, and the AP reported that Wells' family said they still did not have answers about what happened. Ben Crump said the grand jury result "leaves us with more questions than answers," and Crump argued that the investigation had not ruled out blunt-force trauma. Angel Myers McIlrath said in a video message that "There is absolutely no evidence to support the allegations that Nolan’s disappearance and death were racially motivated," and she framed the case as an effort to close out "vile speculation" and false information.
Crump also said, "All other causes must be ruled out prior to certifying a death as drowning," and he argued that "Common sense tells you that this child did not just drown." The grand jury report also addressed online speculation, and it said the panel found "no credible evidence" supporting public allegations of criminal conduct by anyone connected to the Horn Island trip.
What Happens Next
The grand jury report said Mississippi has no statute of limitations on homicide cases, and it stated that if credible evidence comes to light suggesting Wells' death was non-accidental, the matter should be represented to the Jackson County Grand Jury for further consideration. The report also said it was "not unusual or suspicious" for individuals to return from Horn Island on boats they did not travel to the island on, and it said Wells' phone was not the only phone to travel back without its owner. The grand jury said it heard from 43 witnesses and reviewed evidence including physical and digital materials, and it described the panel as a "cross section of citizens" from the area.
The grand jury report said it found "no credible evidence" supporting allegations that Wells' disappearance and death were racially motivated, and it said the public attacks were "malicious, false, and have no truth in fact or evidence." The Reuters report said Wells' death evolved from a local investigation into a case drawing national scrutiny, and it noted that civil rights advocates and Ben Crump had sought comprehensive investigation and transparency.