At 7:54 P.M. on September 25, 2026, Christine Wells-Wonsley received a text message from Jackson County District Attorney Angel Myers McIlrath regarding the investigation into the death of her eighteen-year-old son, Nolan Wells. Nolan went missing after a boating trip on July 4, and his body was found two days later on Horn Island, Mississippi. A grand jury convened for five days in mid-September to determine if there was probable cause for criminal wrongdoing related to his death. However, the message from McIlrath informed Wells-Wonsley that the grand jury had filed their report earlier that day, and one of her lawyers had received a copy. Two minutes later, McIlrath announced on Facebook that the grand jury decided not to indict anyone and found no evidence to incriminate those who were with Wells on the day of his disappearance. McIlrath stated, "In addition to bringing prosecutions against the guilty, the grand jury must also exonerate those who have been falsely accused."
Wells-Wonsley expressed her disappointment with the manner in which the information was communicated, stating it showed a lack of empathy. She emphasized her desire to understand how her son died, noting that the grand jury report did not provide clarity. The case has drawn attention to the historical context of racial injustice in the South, with comparisons made to the case of Emmett Till. Online speculation has surrounded the circumstances of Wells's death, including suggestions of racial violence and inconsistencies in witness accounts.
District Attorney McIlrath faced challenges due to public demands for transparency while adhering to legal obligations regarding the evidence collected. In a statement, she acknowledged the perception of a void created by the lack of information and called for legislation to address misinformation. The grand jury report, which is eight pages long, aimed to address public theories about the case and included demographic information about the jurors. It stated that 132 subpoenas were issued and 43 individuals testified.
The report absolved the individuals who were with Wells of any criminal conduct, stating that public accusations against them were malicious and unfounded. It also clarified that Wells was not the only Black person on the island and addressed the chaotic phone call to a boat-towing company. The report did not conclusively determine the cause of Wells's death, which remains undetermined according to both the state and independent autopsy results. The state autopsy indicated no liquid in Wells's stomach or airways, and both medical professionals involved agreed that drowning was a diagnosis of exclusion. The family has called for further investigation into the circumstances surrounding Wells's death.