Grand Jury Declines to File Criminal Charges in Nolan Wells Case

     In what many consider another miscarriage of justice, a grand jury in Mississippi has found that there is not enough evidence to file charges in the Nolan Wells case. Wells was a Black teenager who disappeared on July 4 after a boating trip with a group of white friends on the Mississippi Gulf Coast. His body was discovered in the water two days later.

      Since Wells’ death, questions have been raised about the circumstances surrounding his disappearance and the conduct of the friends who last saw him. Much of the speculation has centered on the friends’ decision to leave Wells behind on an island. They say he asked them to take his phone with them.

      Angel Myers McIlrath, the district attorney overseeing Wells’ case, said the grand jury found no evidence of criminal conduct. She also stated there was “absolutely no evidence” that race played a role.

The grand jury report added, “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.” 

     Wells’ parents hired prominent attorney, Benjamin Crump, to represent them. Crump released a statement.

      The statement read, “Today, the State of Mississippi is attempting to close the chapter on Nolan Wells’ death without getting to the truth.”

       Crump criticized the forensic report for its lack of explanation for the injuries on Wells’ body. The medical examiner’s report cited bruising on the back of the teenager’s head. An independent autopsy documented “traces of blood and blunt-force injuries.” Both autopsies have determined the manner and cause of death as undetermined.