No one will be charged in the death of 18-year-old Mississippi teen Nolan Xavier Wells after a Jackson County grand jury unanimously declined to indict anyone in connection with his disappearance and death on Horn Island.

District Attorney Angel Myers McIlrath announced the decision Monday, Sept. 21, saying the grand jury returned a “no true bill” after reviewing the evidence gathered during the investigation.

The grand jury examined witness statements, physical and digital evidence, GPS information, cellphone records, videos and investigative reports before reaching its conclusion. Investigators found no credible evidence that Wells’ death was the result of a crime or was racially motivated.

Wells Disappeared During Fourth of July Celebration

Wells traveled to Horn Island, a barrier island approximately 10 miles off Mississippi’s Gulf Coast, with a large group of friends on July 4.

According to investigators, Wells traveled to the island on one of three boats with friends. After one of the boats experienced mechanical problems, the group returned toward the mainland, but Wells chose to remain on the island.

Friends told investigators that Wells planned to find another way back to the mainland. His mother later reported him missing, prompting a search of the island and surrounding waters.

His body was discovered in the water near Horn Island on July 6.

The circumstances surrounding his disappearance quickly attracted national attention, particularly after questions were raised about whether Wells, who was Black, may have been targeted because of his race.

Grand Jury Finds No Evidence of Foul Play

After reviewing the investigation, the grand jury concluded that there was no evidence that a crime caused Wells’ death.

The grand jury report stated that the position, condition, time of discovery and location of Wells’ body were consistent with drowning. It also noted bruising on the back of his head but determined that the injury was not fatal.

The report found no evidence of another fatal injury or an underlying disease that would have caused his death.

McIlrath said there was also no evidence supporting claims that Wells’ death was racially motivated.

She emphasized that the narrative circulating online — that Wells had gone to the island with three white friends and that only the three friends returned — did not accurately describe what investigators found.

According to the district attorney, Wells was part of a larger group and interacted with additional friends while on the island.

Cause of Death Had Previously Been Undetermined

The grand jury’s conclusion comes after both the official state medical exam