A Mississippi grand jury concluded its review into the death of 18-year-old Nolan Wells and found no evidence of criminal wrongdoing, declining to return any indictments or criminal charges.

Key details from the report and findings:

• Background: Nolan Wells, an 18-year-old college student athlete from Ocean Springs, went missing during a Fourth of July boating gathering at Horn Island off the Mississippi Gulf Coast. His body was recovered near the barrier island two days later, on July 6.

• The Grand Jury Review: Jackson County District Attorney Angel Myers McIlrath presented the case to a 23-member grand jury, which reviewed physical and digital evidence, including cellphone records, GPS logs, photos, videos, and forensic files. The grand jury issued 132 subpoenas and heard testimony from 43 witnesses over several days before deciding not to indict anyone.

• Findings on the Timeline: The report concluded that Wells chose to remain on the island on the afternoon of July 4 and that there was no credible evidence showing an altercation, foul play, or criminal conduct by the individuals who traveled on the boats that day.

• Cause of Death: While the official cause of death remained undetermined, medical examiners and forensic findings noted that the condition of his body was consistent with drowning (as a diagnosis by exclusion). Minor bruising observed on his body was determined not to be fatal.

• Response: District Attorney McIlrath stated that the investigation showed the disappearance was not the result of racial violence or criminal acts. Meanwhile, civil rights attorney Ben Crump, representing the Wells family, maintained that the decision not to indict still leaves open questions regarding the exact circumstances surrounding how Wells died.