No Charges in Wells Death
Mississippi Grand Jury Declines Criminal Charges in the Death of Nolan Wells
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Key Points
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The grand jury issued its finding after issuing 132 subpoenas and hearing testimony from 43 witnesses.
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Wells was last seen around 3 p.m. on July 4, and the group had traveled to Horn Island on three boats: the Triton, the Palm Beach and the Tideline. Horn Island is about 10 miles off the Mississippi Gulf Coast.
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The grand jury reviewed testimony, physical evidence, digital data, officers’ reports, autopsy results and other documentation; the panel consisted of 23 citizens.
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The report said toxicology results were inconclusive because of decomposition fluids, although no cocaine or other illegal substances were detected. It also noted that Wells had bought alcohol using a fake ID and that no adult acquaintances supplied him with alcohol on the island.
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Witnesses described Wells slipping from a boat but said he appeared uninjured and continued socializing afterward; the grand jury found that he had not been involved in a physical altercation.
A Mississippi grand jury found insufficient evidence to charge anyone in the death of 18-year-old Nolan Wells, issuing a "no true bill" after reviewing 132 subpoenas and hearing from 43 witnesses NPR. Wells disappeared during a Fourth of July boat outing on Horn Island, about 10 miles off the Mississippi Gulf Coast, and was found dead in the water days later The New York Times.
The 23-member panel determined that Wells' body location, condition, and time of discovery were consistent with drowning ABC News. Bruising on the back of his head was not fatal, and investigators found no evidence of other fatal injuries, disease, or foul play NPR.
What Happened on Horn Island
Wells was last seen around 3 p.m. on July 4 when he and friends traveled to Horn Island on three boats: the Triton, the Palm Beach, and the Tideline WNYC. Witnesses said Wells slipped from a boat but appeared uninjured and kept socializing afterward NPR. The grand jury found no evidence he was involved in a physical altercation that day.
Toxicology Tests Revealed No Drugs in System
The grand jury's toxicology results were inconclusive because decomposition fluids affected the samples NPR. However, no cocaine or other illegal substances were detected in Wells' body WNYC. The report also noted that Wells had used a fake ID to buy alcohol, but no adults on the island supplied him with drinks.
Extensive Investigation Found No Criminal Evidence
The grand jury reviewed testimony, physical evidence, digital data, autopsy results, and officer reports over multiple meetings NPR. The panel issued 132 subpoenas and heard from 43 witnesses to reach its decision The New York Times. The grand jury found no evidence that Wells' death was racially motivated, according to the Jackson County district attorney.
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