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Mississippi grand jury finds no criminal conduct in death of Nolan Wells

A report concluded the teenager's death was consistent with drowning, but the family's attorney urged continued investigation.

Updated Sep 22, 2026 · 06:17 UTC2 reports

The short version

A 23-person Jackson County grand jury concluded that no criminal charges are warranted in the July death of 18-year-old Nolan Wells.[ABC News · CBS News]
Investigators determined the location and condition of Wells' body were consistent with drowning after he vanished during a Fourth of July outing near Horn Island.[ABC News · CBS News]
The panel found no credible evidence that companions traveling on boats to or from the island committed any criminal acts.[ABC News · CBS News]
Family attorney Ben Crump called the grand jury outcome unresolved and urged state officials or the Department of Justice to continue investigating.[CBS News]

A Jackson County grand jury determined no criminal charges are warranted in the death of 18-year-old Nolan Wells.[ABC News · CBS News]
Wells' body was found off Horn Island two days after he disappeared during a Fourth of July celebration.[ABC News · CBS News]
The grand jury report stated that the position, condition, location, and discovery time of the body were consistent with drowning.[ABC News · CBS News]
The panel found no credible evidence that individuals who traveled to or from the island on three specific boats committed crimes tied to Wells' death.[ABC News · CBS News]

An independent autopsy commissioned by Wells' family was unable to determine a definitive cause of death.[CBS News]
Family attorney Ben Crump stated that the grand jury's findings leave unanswered questions, arguing either state investigators or the Department of Justice must pursue the case further.[CBS News]

Outlet counts describe coverage, not independent confirmation. Reports may share a wire service or original source.