The Jackson County grand jury unanimously declined to indict anyone in the death of 18-year-old Nolan Xavier Wells, who disappeared from Horn Island on July 4 and was found dead two days later. The state autopsy noted nonfatal bruising on the back of his head, while a family-funded private autopsy returned an "undetermined" cause of death. The grand jury issued 132 subpoenas, heard from 43 witnesses, and found no evidence of a racially motivated crime, though Wells' family and attorney Ben Crump say they will continue seeking answers.
Grand Jury Declines To Indict In Nolan Wells' Death After Exhaustive Probe
Grand Jury Investigating Death of Nolan Wells Decides Against Indictments
Jackson County District Attorney Angel Myers McIlrath announced Monday night that a grand jury unanimously returned a "no true bill," declining to indict anyone in the death of 18-year-old Nolan Xavier Wells.
Background. Wells, a high-school football player from Ocean Springs, Mississippi, disappeared from Horn Island — a barrier island near the Mississippi–Alabama line — on July 4 after spending time there with friends. A U.S. park ranger found his body on the island two days later. Investigators say Wells appears to have remained behind after his friends left by boat; he was last seen at about 3 p.m. wearing blue swim trunks and sunglasses.
Autopsies and Cause of Death
An initial autopsy by the state medical examiner on July 7 noted bruising on the back of Wells' head that was "not a fatal injury" and reported "no evidence of any fatal injury or organic disease." A private autopsy, commissioned and funded by Wells' family, concluded the cause of death was "undetermined pending investigation," leaving key questions unanswered and fueling public concern about possible foul play.
Grand Jury Findings
According to the grand jury report released Monday, investigators issued 132 subpoenas, heard testimony from 43 witnesses, and invited seven individuals to testify. The panel reviewed evidence about how Wells sustained the bruising to the back of his head but said the exact cause of that injury remains uncertain.
"There is absolutely no evidence to support the allegations that Nolan's disappearance and death were racially motivated," McIlrath said in a video statement. "Nolan's friends loved Nolan and Nolan loved them. Nolan chose to stay on the island that day, and there is not a scintilla of evidence to contradict that."
The report also summarized witness testimony that one person saw Wells slip awkwardly from the side of a boat around 3:30 p.m. on July 4 but could not confirm whether he struck his head during the fall. That witness said Wells continued socializing afterward and did not appear injured.
Public Reaction and Next Steps
High-profile figures supported the family's efforts for answers. Former NFL quarterback and activist Colin Kaepernick helped fund the private autopsy. At Wells' memorial, Rev. Al Sharpton offered a $50,000 reward for information leading to an arrest or conviction; Tyler Perry texted Sharpton to pledge a matching $50,000, and retired NFL player Terrell Owens later added $25,000, bringing the reward total to $125,000.
"He was not on that island by himself. Somebody saw something or knows something," Sharpton said during his eulogy.
Attorney Ben Crump, representing the Wells family, issued a statement on X saying the public deserves "a clear account supported by records, evidence, and independent scrutiny," and called the grand jury decision an attempt "to close the chapter on Nolan Wells' death without getting to the truth." Edward Paltzik, attorney for the three friends who were with Wells, wrote on X that Warren Hudson, Jax Pitalo, and Morgan Seymour were "always completely innocent" and thanked investigators for a "professional, thorough, and unbiased investigation."
The family and their legal team have said they will continue to seek answers as questions remain about the circumstances that led to Wells' death.
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