A grand jury in Mississippi has unanimously found that there was no evidence of criminal wrongdoing in the death of 18-year-old Nolan Wells, who was found dead in the waters near Horn Island following a Fourth of July trip with friends.

The Jackson County grand jury said its investigation found no evidence supporting criminal charges or a racially motivated killing. The review included witness testimony, physical and digital evidence, as well as GPS and cellphone data.

According to the grand jury’s report, the position, condition, time of discovery and location of Wells’ body were consistent with drowning.

Jackson County District Attorney Angel Myers McIlrath said there was “absolutely no evidence” that Wells’ disappearance or death was racially motivated. She said the investigation had examined the circumstances surrounding the teenager’s death in detail.

Wells’ body was discovered July 6 in the water near the Mississippi coast. Jackson County Coroner Bruce Lynd previously said there were no immediate signs of trauma or foul play, but his office requested a full autopsy because of the circumstances surrounding the death.

A state autopsy was conducted July 7. Wells’ family also arranged for an independent autopsy, which was performed three days later. That examination classified the manner of death as undetermined pending further investigation.

The grand jury reported that Wells had bruising on the back of his head, but said the injury was not fatal. It also found no evidence of a fatal injury or underlying organic disease. The precise cause of the bruising and whether it contributed to Wells’ death remained unclear.

Civil rights attorney Ben Crump, who represents Wells’ family, disputed the conclusion that the case had been fully resolved. He said the family still has questions about the injuries and called for the release of the state medical examiner’s complete autopsy report.

Crump said the grand jury’s decision risked closing the investigation without fully explaining what happened to Wells. He maintained that the unexplained injuries required further scrutiny.

The case had generated widespread speculation after photographs circulated showing Wells, who was Black, with White friends during their trip to Horn Island. The circumstances prompted public discussion about whether race played a role in his disappearance and death, particularly given Mississippi’s history of racial violence.

Three of Wells’ friends — Warren Hudson, Jax Pitalo and Morgan Seymour — said through their attorneys that they were part of a larger boating group of about 30 people. According to their attorneys, Wells decided to remain on the island when the others left.

Their lawyers have denied any involvement by the three men in Wells’ disappearance or death.

Attorney Edward Paltzik, who represents the three friends, welcomed the grand jury’s findings and said his clients had always maintained that they were innocent. Attorneys Paltzik and Tyler Cox said the men and their families were relieved by the decision and were taking time to consider what to do next.

The grand jury also left open the possibility of further action if new evidence emerges. Its report said evidence suggesting that Wells’ death was not accidental could be presented for consideration in the future.

Mississippi has no statute of limitations for homicide cases, meaning a future investigation could still lead to legal action if evidence establishes that Wells’ death was the result of a crime.

Wells’ family has continued to seek answers about his death and has urged authorities to provide greater transparency regarding the medical findings.

SOURCE: CNN, Lauren Mascarenhas and Alisha Ebrahimji, updated September 2026.