Mississippi Grand Jury Finds No Criminal Evidence in Teen's Death on Horn Island

A Mississippi grand jury met from Sept. 14 to Sept. 18 and determined that the death of 17-year-old Nolan Wells, whose body was recovered on Horn Island on July 6, was consistent with drowning, finding no credible evidence of criminal conduct. The jurors heard testimony from more than 40 witnesses and examined GPS data, cellphone extractions, photos and videos, as well as findings from civil-rights attorney Ben Crump’s team, which represents the family.

"The Grand Jury finds no credible evidence to support the public allegations that any persons who rode to or from Horn Island on July 4, 2026 on the Triton, the Palm Beach, or the Tideline engaged in any criminal conduct related to the death of Mr. Wells," the report states.

District Attorney Angel Myers McIlrath said in a recorded statement that Wells chose to remain on the island that afternoon and that there was "not a scintilla of evidence to contradict that." She added that the family and investigators knew the death was not the result of racial hate or violence.

Both the state medical examiner and independent forensic pathologist Dr. Roger Mitchell listed the manner of death as "undetermined," with drowning considered a diagnosis of exclusion after other causes were ruled out. Bruises on Wells’ head and back were noted but not deemed fatal. The independent autopsy report recommended keeping the investigation open because of uncertainties about Wells’ condition before entering the water.

The Jackson County Sheriff’s Office initially treated the case as a death, not a homicide. Wells’ parents have criticized the early investigative approach and communication, alleging that messages were deleted from his phone before it was returned to the family. The district attorney’s office said it never received a full extraction report and that the grand jury reviewed a 282-page selection of phone data.

While criminal charges will not be filed, civil litigation remains possible. Attorneys for the family have notified potential defendants of anticipated lawsuits, and some of Wells’ friends have indicated they may pursue defamation claims against public figures who commented on the case.