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A Mississippi grand jury has declined to bring criminal charges in the death of 18-year-old Nolan Wells, who was found dead after disappearing during a July 4 trip to Horn Island, NBC News reported.
The Jackson County grand jury returned a “no true bill” on Monday (September 21), meaning it did not find sufficient grounds to indict anyone in connection with Wells’ death. The grand jury said the position, condition, time of discovery and location of Wells’ body were consistent with drowning.
However, drowning was not determined to be Wells’ official cause of death. Both the Mississippi medical examiner and an independent forensic pathologist hired by Wells’ family listed his cause and manner of death as undetermined.
The grand jury also found no credible evidence that anyone who traveled to or from Horn Island with Wells engaged in criminal conduct related to his death or that his death was racially motivated.
Wells disappeared during a July 4 trip to Horn Island and was found dead two days later.
The grand jury decision has prompted a strong response from Wells’ legal team and prominent Black leaders and public figures. Attorney Ben Crump, who represents the family, said the decision does not explain the blunt-force injuries documented on Wells’ head and back.
“Today, the State of Mississippi is attempting to close the chapter on Nolan Wells’ death without getting to the truth,” Crump said in a statement.
According to Crump’s statement reported by The Associated Press, the family’s independent forensic pathologist, Dr. Roger A. Mitchell Jr., documented recent, unexplained blunt-force injuries to the back of Wells’ head and other areas of his back. Mitchell determined that the cause and manner of death remained undetermined and said the investigation should remain open.
Crump and the family’s legal team are calling for the release of the state medical examiner’s full autopsy report and investigative file. They are also renewing their request for a U.S. Department of Justice review.
Crump’s legal team said it plans to release Mitchell’s full report and examine Wells’ cellphone, including social media applications that were not part of the preliminary investigation.
Monday, the day the grand jury decision was announced, was also Wells’ mother Christine Wonsley’s birthday. She reflected on the loss in a Facebook post.
“The only thing I want for my birthday is to hug you and listen to your jokes. I just want you back with us. I miss you so much Nono it hurts,” Wonsley wrote. “I’m trying my hardest to make the best of this day. So here’s to my next chapter.”
Rev. Al Sharpton pushed back on the decision, saying a “no true bill is not an answer” to how Wells died. Sharpton emphasized that “serious questions remain, including about the blunt-force injuries to his head.” He said the grand jury decision should not become the final word on Wells’ death and vowed to continue demanding answers and accountability.
Civil rights attorney Lee Merritt wrote, “Still, for Nolan’s family, loved ones, and everyone seeking answers, this decision does not bring an end to the questions surrounding his death.”
Roland Martin’s reaction was more blunt. He wrote, “GTFOH!”
The King Center also expressed support for Wells’ parents and family, saying they are mourning while “grapple[ing] with not knowing the full, transparent story of what happened to their beloved.”
NAACP General Counsel Kristen Clarke, who is expected to participate in Tuesday’s news conference, wrote that “the grand jury report leaves more questions than answers.”
Comedian D.L. Hughley wrote: “THEY ALWAYS K!LL US TWICE‼️ WE KNOW THE TRUTH, THIS AIN’T IT.”
Pastor Jamal Bryant pushed back on the decision, saying, “The reported finding that there is insufficient evidence to indict anyone is not the same thing as having every question about Nolan’s death answered.”
He also announced that he will join Crump and Wells’ family for a news conference Tuesday (September 22) at noon ET at New Birth Missionary Baptist Church, where he serves as pastor, in Stonecrest, Georgia.
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