No criminal charges will be filed in the death of Nolan Wells, the Mississippi teen who disappeared during a Fourth of July trip with friends. A grand jury found no evidence that anyone committed a crime connected to his death.
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Wells’ death had fueled months of allegations of foul play, including claims that race played a role.
Grand jury decision
District Attorney Angel Myers McIlrath announced the decision Monday, saying the 23-person grand jury found that the location and condition of Wells’ body, along with when and how it was recovered, were “consistent with drowning.”
The panel also said it found “no credible evidence” to support public allegations that anyone engaged in criminal conduct connected to Wells’ death.
The conclusion matches what authorities had previously said about Wells’ death: that they believed the college football player drowned. The grand jury issued 132 subpoenas and heard from 43 witnesses before reaching its decision.
Nolan Wells’ disappearance and death
Wells was last seen on the afternoon on July 4. His friends told authorities they had to leave the island early because their boat was taking on water, but Wells chose to stay and catch a later ride home.
When Wells did not return, he was reported missing. The 18-year-old’s body was found in the waters off Horn Island two days later.
Wells’ family attorney responds
Wells’ family attorney, Ben Crump, says the grand jury’s decision still doesn’t explain how Wells died.
“We don’t know how Nolan died, and neither does the State of Mississippi. Mississippi must keep investigating,” Crump said.
Crump is scheduled to hold a news conference Tuesday, with Wells’ parents expected to make a public statement following the grand jury’s decision.
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