Grand Jury Finds No Criminal Conduct in Nolan Wells’ Death

A Mississippi grand jury determined no evidence of criminal conduct in the death of 18-year-old Nolan Wells, a college football player, whose body was discovered under conditions consistent with drowning. The incident occurred during a boating trip on the Fourth of July.

The 23-member Jackson County grand jury, after reviewing testimony from 43 witnesses and examining various physical and digital evidence, concluded that no criminal charges were warranted. Their findings were announced by District Attorney Angel Myers McIlrath.

Wells vanished on July 4 during a trip to Horn Island, located off Mississippi’s Gulf Coast. His body was found two days later following an exhaustive search involving multiple agencies.

Nolan Wells smiles while playing wide receiver for Southwest Mississippi Community College.

The grand jury report noted that the placement, condition, and timing of discovering Wells’ body aligned with a drowning incident. It stated, “No credible evidence” indicated anyone on the island committed a crime related to Wells’ death.

The report addressed a bruise found on the back of Wells’ head, determining it was “not a fatal injury.” Investigators were unable to determine the cause of the bruise. A witness mentioned seeing Wells slip “awkwardly off the side of a boat” but could not confirm if Wells hit his head during the fall. The witness noted that Wells continued to socialize and did not show signs of injury.

There was no evidence of Wells being involved in any altercation or argument on the day of his disappearance.

A private autopsy commissioned by Wells’ family initially listed the cause of death as “undetermined pending investigation.” During a press conference, civil rights attorney Ben Crump discussed a “red discoloration” found on Wells’ head by pathologist Dr. Roger Mitchell, who couldn’t discern the cause of death.

Concerns about Wells’ alcohol consumption were raised. An email from the Mississippi Department of Marine Resources Marine Patrol referred to Wells’ alcohol intake as “heavy.” However, the grand jury found Wells used a fake ID to purchase alcohol and no legal adult provided him alcohol on the island. Toxicology tests weren’t informative due to decomposition.

Wells’ cellphone returned to the mainland without him, which the report said wasn’t unusual, as visitors often leave belongings while socializing. This was not unique to Wells as other phones also returned without their owners.

White sand beaches of Horn Island.

The case caught national attention with widespread online speculation. The grand jury emphasized that public accusations against trip participants and their families had “no truth or evidence.” Wells’ family, utilizing a private investigation, found no evidence indicating potential criminal activity.

The case could return to the grand jury if new evidence surfaces; Mississippi holds no statute of limitations on homicide. The report stressed, “If credible evidence surfaces indicating Mr. Wells’ death was not accidental, it should be presented again to the Jackson County Grand Jury.”