Grand Jurors Found No Credible Evidence Of Criminal Activity Or Racial Motivation In The 18-Year-Old’s Death, Though His Exact Cause Of Death Remains Undetermined
A Mississippi grand jury has declined to bring criminal charges in the death of 18-year-old Nolan Xavier Wells, finding no credible evidence that his disappearance and death were caused by criminal activity or racial violence.
The Jackson County grand jury returned a “no true bill” after reviewing witness testimony, physical and digital evidence, GPS information, cellphone records, videos and investigative reports connected to Wells’ death over the July Fourth weekend.
The decision means the people who traveled with Wells to Horn Island will not face charges based on the evidence currently available.
Wells’ disappearance drew national attention as questions circulated online about the circumstances surrounding the Black teenager’s death and the people who were with him before he vanished.
District Attorney Angel Myers McIlrath said investigators found no evidence supporting claims that Wells had been targeted because of his race.
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“The narrative that three white boys and a Black boy went to an island and only white friends returned spread like wildfire,” McIlrath said in a video statement. “This was false.”
McIlrath said Wells traveled to Horn Island with a larger group of friends and met additional people while there.
She added there was “absolutely no evidence to support the allegations that Nolan’s death and disappearance was racially motivated.”
Autopsies Leave Cause Of Death Undetermined
Wells’ exact cause of death remains unresolved.
The Mississippi State Medical Examiner’s Office classified his death as undetermined and inconclusive. An independent autopsy funded for Wells’ family by Colin Kaepernick reached the same conclusion.
Drowning was not ruled out.
According to the grand jury report, jurors found that “the position of, the condition of, time of discovery, and location of Mr. Wells’ body is consistent with drowning.”
Toxicology testing found no drugs in Wells’ system, while investigators found no evidence of a fatal injury or organic disease.
Both autopsies identified bruising on the back of Wells’ head, but neither determined that the injury was fatal.
A witness also told investigators Wells had slipped and fallen awkwardly while on the boat but did not appear injured afterward.
Case Could Be Reopened If New Evidence Emerges
The grand jury’s decision does not permanently close the door on a future criminal case.
Mississippi has no statute of limitations on homicide cases. The grand jury report states that if credible new evidence later indicates Wells’ death was not accidental, the matter could be presented to another Jackson County grand jury.
For Wells’ family and community, however, the decision leaves the central question of exactly how the teenager died unanswered.
Wells, a standout athlete, became the subject of national attention as his family and supporters continued calling for answers surrounding his final hours.
His mother, Christine Wonsley, reflected on the loss in an emotional Facebook post Sunday, Sept. 20.
“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.”
