From ABC News · ABC News · · 2m
No charges in college football player's death
A grand jury found no evidence of crime in the drowning death of 18-year-old Nolan Wells off the Mississippi coast.
In brief
A grand jury found no evidence of crime in the drowning death of 18-year-old Nolan Wells off the Mississippi coast. A Jackson County grand jury found no criminal charges warranted in the death of eighteen-year-old Nolan Wells, who drowned off the Gulf Coast on July fourth, twenty twenty-six. Originally reported by ABC…
Grand jury clears anyone of charges
The Jackson County Grand Jury found no criminal charges are warranted in the death of eighteen-year-old Nolan Wells, according to a report released late Monday night.
Wells vanished after July fourth celebration
Wells disappeared after celebrating the Fourth of July with friends on barrier islands off the Gulf Coast. His body was recovered two days later in waters off Horn Island.
Evidence points to drowning
The grand jury found the position, condition, time of discovery and location of Wells' body were consistent with drowning. The college football player's body showed no fatal injuries or organic disease.
“consistent with drowning”
Bruise on head remains unexplained
Wells had bruising on the back of his head, but the grand jury determined it was not fatal. One witness testified Wells slipped off a boat but did not appear injured afterward.
Toxicology report inconclusive
The toxicology report was unreliable due to decomposition fluid. The grand jury found Wells had no cocaine in his system and no evidence he had ever used it.
“not particularly informative as decomposition fluid is an unreliable source for evaluating substance levels within a body”
No evidence of criminal conduct
The twenty-three-person grand jury heard from forty-three witnesses and reviewed physical evidence, digital evidence, police reports, videos, images and maps. They found no credible evidence anyone engaged in criminal conduct related to Wells' death.
“no credible evidence to support the public allegations”
Grand jury addresses online speculation
The report addressed national attention and online speculation about Wells' death, including interstate threats. It stated public attacks on boat occupants and their families were malicious, false and had no truth in fact or evidence.
“malicious, false, and have no truth in fact or evidence”
Future investigation remains possible
The report noted there is no statute of limitations on homicide cases in Mississippi. If credible evidence emerges suggesting Wells' death was non-accidental, the matter should be referred back to the grand jury for further consideration.
The big picture
A Jackson County grand jury found no criminal charges warranted in the death of eighteen-year-old Nolan Wells, who drowned off the Gulf Coast on July fourth, twenty twenty-six.
