Jackson County Grand Jury Declines Charges in 18-Year-Old Nolan Wells Death

3 articles · Updated · Fox News · Oct 3

A Jackson County grand jury returned a no true bill in the death of 18-year-old Nolan Wells, finding insufficient evidence to indict anyone and concluding his death was consistent with drowning.
Wells disappeared on July 4 after a boat trip with friends to Horn Island off Mississippi's Gulf Coast, and a National Park Service ranger found his body on July 6 after a two-day search.
District Attorney Angel Myers McIlrath said the grand jury found no evidence that Wells' death was racially motivated and no evidence contradicting that he chose to stay on the island.
Friends told Fox News they have endured months of online accusations and speculation since Wells' death, saying the loss instead drew them closer to church and their Christian faith.
Wells' family and attorney Ben Crump are challenging the decision, citing bruising and blunt-force injuries noted by an independent pathologist and seeking a Justice Department review.