The family of 18-year-old Nolan Wells says their fight for answers is far from over.
A Mississippi grand jury decided not to pursue criminal charges in connection with Nolan’s death, issuing what is known as a “no true bill” after reviewing evidence and testimony from 43 witnesses.
Nolan disappeared during a Fourth of July trip to Horn Island, Mississippi, and his body was recovered two days later.
The grand jury report said investigators found insufficient evidence to bring criminal charges and no evidence establishing foul play or a racial motivation. It also said accidental drowning remained consistent with the evidence and had not been ruled out.
However, both the state medical examiner and an independent pathologist hired by Nolan’s family previously listed his cause and manner of death as undetermined.
During an emotional press conference, Nolan’s mother, Christine Wonsley, stood alongside her husband, Elmore Wonsley, and civil rights attorney Ben Crump and questioned how the case could end without more answers.
“How can a jury come to the conclusion of drowning, despite knowing that there was trauma to his body, and despite hearing many inconsistencies?” she asked.
Wonsley also said the decision made her family feel as though their son’s life did not matter to those responsible for protecting the public.
The family pointed to bruising and blunt-force injuries found on Nolan’s body as one of several issues they believe still require explanation.
Crump said the family intends to continue pursuing answers and exploring additional avenues for investigation.
For Nolan’s parents, the grand jury decision may have closed one chapter, but they say their search for the truth is not over.