Grand Jury Finds No Criminal Wrongdoing In Death Of Nolan Wells
A Jackson County grand jury on Monday, September 21, 2026 declined to indict anyone in the July 4 death of 18-year-old Nolan Wells on Horn Island, Mississippi.[1]
The grand jury said the position, condition, time of discovery and location of Wells' body were consistent with drowning.[1] It found no credible evidence that occupants of the boats Triton, Palm Beach or Tideline engaged in criminal conduct and called public allegations against them false.[1] District Attorney Angel Myers McIlrath said there was "absolutely no evidence" the disappearance and death were racially motivated.[1]
Wells was 18 and had been on Horn Island over the Fourth of July holiday.[1] He was reported missing after leaving his boat and his body was recovered July 6 off Horn Island.[1] The grand jury said Wells chose to remain on Horn Island after his boat departed, and it noted that staying behind is common among holiday visitors.[1]
By declining to indict, the grand jury rejected public claims of criminal wrongdoing related to other boaters in the case.[1] The decision means no criminal charges will be filed at this time unless new evidence emerges.[1]
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📌 Key Facts
- On Monday, September 21, 2026, a Jackson County grand jury declined to indict anyone in the July 4, 2026 death of 18-year-old Nolan Wells on Horn Island, Mississippi.
- The grand jury concluded that the position, condition, time of discovery and location of Wells' body, found July 6 off Horn Island, were consistent with drowning.
- The report said there was no credible evidence that any occupants of the boats Triton, Palm Beach or Tideline engaged in criminal conduct and labeled public allegations against them false.
- District Attorney Angel Myers McIlrath stated there was absolutely no evidence the disappearance and death were racially motivated.
- The grand jury found that Wells chose to remain on Horn Island after his boat departed, noting that such behavior is common among visitors on holidays.
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