No Charges in Nolan Wells’ Death as Family Points to Unexplained Injuries

September 22, 2026

A Mississippi grand jury declined to press criminal charges in the death of 18-year-old Nolan Xavier Wells, whose body was discovered near Horn Island two days after he traveled there with friends on July 4th. Although the grand jury heard from numerous witnesses and reviewed extensive evidence, both the state medical examiner and an independent pathologist classified the cause and manner of death as undetermined. The teenager's family and civil rights attorney Ben Crump are challenging this decision, pointing to unexplained blunt-force injuries found on the back of Wells' head and body during an independent autopsy.

Who is affected

Nolan Xavier Wells (deceased 18-year-old)
Wells' family, including his mother Christine Wonsley
Wells' friends who were on the trip
People aboard the three boats involved in the Horn Island trip
Jackson County District Attorney Angel Myers McIlrath
Congressional Black Caucus Chair Yvette D. Clarke and other caucus members

What action is being taken

Civil rights attorney Ben Crump and the family's legal team are challenging the grand jury's decision
The family's attorneys are urging District Attorney McIlrath to keep the investigation open and release complete autopsy reports
Forensic experts intend to conduct a more thorough examination of Wells' cellphone, including social media applications
The family is renewing its request for federal review

Why it matters

This case matters because a young man died under unclear circumstances with unexplained injuries to his body, yet no one has been held accountable or provided answers to his family. The undetermined cause of death, combined with documented blunt-force trauma that remains unexplained, raises serious questions about what happened during the two days Wells was on Horn Island. The case also highlights concerns about whether investigations into deaths of Black individuals receive adequate scrutiny and thoroughness, particularly when both state and independent autopsies cannot determine how the victim died despite physical evidence of recent injuries.

What's next

The family is requesting federal review by the U.S. Attorney General and FBI Director
Forensic experts plan to conduct a more thorough examination of Wells' cellphone and social media applications
The District Attorney has stated the case could be revisited if new evidence emerges
Crump and the family's legal team will continue pursuing answers and justice

Read full article from source: The Washington Informer