A Jackson County grand jury has determined that there is no criminal basis for the death of 18‑year‑old Nolan Wells, a college football player who vanished during a Fourth of July boating outing on Horn Island. The 23‑member panel reviewed testimony from 43 witnesses, as well as physical and digital evidence, police reports, videos, images and maps, before issuing its report on Monday.
Findings of the Grand Jury
The grand jury report, released by District Attorney Angel Myers McIlrath, states that the position, condition, time of discovery and location of Wells’ body are “consistent with drowning.” The report also notes that there was “no credible evidence” that anyone traveling to or from the island committed a crime related to his death.
Investigators found bruising on the back of Wells’ head, but the grand jury concluded that the bruising was “not a fatal injury” and that there was no evidence of a fatal injury or organic disease. One witness recalled seeing Wells slip “awkwardly off the side of a boat” around the time he was last seen, but could not confirm whether he struck his head during the fall. The witness said Wells continued socializing afterward and did not appear injured.
Alcohol Use and Private Autopsy
A July 5 email from the Mississippi Department of Marine Resources listed Wells’ alcohol intake as “heavy,” though the source of that information was not identified. The grand jury found that Wells purchased alcohol with a fake ID and that no adults of legal drinking age provided him with alcohol on the island.
A private autopsy commissioned by the family had listed the cause and manner of death as “undetermined pending investigation.” During a July 22 news conference, civil‑rights attorney Ben Crump highlighted an area of “red discoloration” on the back of Wells’ head, but pathologist Dr. Roger Mitchell could not determine a cause or manner of death. Toxicology testing was described as “not particularly informative” because decomposition fluid is unreliable for measuring substance levels. The report confirmed there was no cocaine in Wells’ system and no evidence he had ever used the drug.
Phone and Public Speculation
The grand jury noted that Wells’ cellphone was taken back to the mainland without him, a circumstance the report said is not unusual for visitors who return on different boats or leave belongings aboard. The report also called the public attacks on the three boats involved in the trip “malicious, false” and lacking any factual basis.
Wells’ family was given an opportunity to present evidence from their private investigation, but their attorneys reported that no witnesses or evidence were found that would suggest criminal activity. The grand jury emphasized that the case could be reopened if new, credible evidence emerges, noting that Mississippi has no statute of limitations on homicide cases.
Next Steps
“If credible evidence comes to light in the future that suggests Mr. Wells’ death was non‑accidental, this matter should be represented to the Jackson County Grand Jury for further consideration,” the report states.
The decision brings some closure to a case that attracted national attention and widespread online speculation. Local authorities continue to remind the public that thorough investigations are essential to uncovering the truth, and that unfounded accusations only hinder the pursuit of justice.
Original reporting: Fox News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
