A Mississippi grand jury has declined to indict anyone in connection with the death of Nolan Wells, concluding that the evidence presented did not establish criminal wrongdoing.
According to the Jackson County District Attorney’s Office, the 23-member grand jury unanimously returned a “no true bill” Monday after reviewing evidence gathered during the investigation.
The decision means prosecutors will not file criminal charges based on the evidence presented to that grand jury.
Investigators presented an extensive body of evidence, including phone forensic reports, GPS data, security footage and information obtained through 132 subpoenas. Prosecutors also called 43 witnesses to testify.
Wells was found dead in waters near Horn Island on July 6, after traveling to the area with friends two days earlier for a July Fourth celebration.
Investigators determined that Wells had traveled aboard The Triton, one of three boats used by the group. The vessel later experienced a bilge pump and motor failure while traveling back toward the mainland.
The Triton took on water and eventually required assistance from another vessel. Investigators concluded that Wells remained on Horn Island after the boats left.
His cellphone, however, returned to the mainland without him. Investigators noted that phones belonging to other passengers also traveled aboard separate boats.
The circumstances surrounding Wells’ death have remained unresolved medically. Both the Mississippi State Chief Medical Examiner and an independent forensic pathologist retained by Wells’ family determined that the cause and manner of death were undetermined.
Court documents state that accidental drowning remained consistent with the available evidence, although neither examiner ruled out that possibility.
Both examinations identified nonfatal bruising on the back of Wells’ head, but investigators found no evidence of fatal physical trauma.
A witness told investigators that Wells slipped awkwardly from a boat but continued socializing afterward and did not appear to have suffered a significant injury.
Toxicology testing found no cocaine. Investigators also determined that Wells had purchased alcohol using a fake identification document.
The grand jury also considered several claims that had circulated online, including allegations involving a fight and alleged misconduct by Wells’ friends and their families. Jurors concluded that the evidence did not establish criminal conduct.
Investigators also determined that viral photographs from a pool party predated the July Fourth gathering. Officials further found that audio circulated online from a SeaTow call involving The Triton differed from the original recording.
The investigation additionally addressed claims that medical officials had withheld major organs before an independent examination. Wells’ family-appointed pathologist confirmed that standard procedures had been followed.
The Jackson County District Attorney’s Office said Mississippi has no statute of limitations for homicide. The matter could therefore be presented to another grand jury if credible new evidence emerges indicating that foul play occurred.
For now, however, the grand jury’s decision means no criminal indictment has been issued in connection with Nolan Wells’ death.
