Mississippi grand jury decides not to charge anyone in death of Nolan Wells
Jury report says ‘no credible evidence’ points to criminal conduct related to death of Mississippi teen after boat outing with friends on 4 July
TL;DR
- A Jackson county grand jury has chosen not to bring criminal charges in the death of Nolan Wells.
- The grand jury reviewed evidence from 43 witnesses and investigators, considering mobile phone data, forensic reports, and an independent family investigation.
- The jury found no credible evidence to support allegations of criminal conduct related to Wells' death.
- The report states that allegations against individuals on other boats were not based on truth and resulted from public clamor and malice.
- Wells' family has consistently questioned the circumstances of his death, particularly his alleged decision to stay behind on Horn Island.
- An independent autopsy revealed unexplained blunt force injuries to the back of Wells' head and his back.
- Both the independent autopsy and the state's chief medical examiner determined the cause and manner of Wells' death were undetermined.
- The grand jury's report suggests the position, condition, time, and location of Wells' body are consistent with drowning.
- The district attorney stated there is no evidence to support claims that Wells' death was racially motivated.
- Wells' family attorney, Ben Crump, believes the grand jury's decision aims to close the case prematurely and is calling for continued investigation, potentially by the Department of Justice.