Grand Jury Finds No Criminal Charges in Nolan Wells' Death

The Jackson County Grand Jury has determined that no criminal charges are warranted in the death of Nolan Wells, according to a report released late Monday night.

The panel said the position, condition, time of discovery and location of the 18-year-old's body off the Mississippi coast this July were consistent with drowning.

Wells disappeared after he and friends went out to celebrate the Fourth of July on barrier islands off the Gulf Coast. His body was recovered two days later in the waters off Horn Island.

Authorities had previously said they believed the college football player drowned, but the final determination was left to a grand jury. The panel reviewed all case materials, including the completed autopsy report from the state medical examiner, to decide whether Wells' death involved a crime.

The decision means no one will face charges at this stage. It also leaves open the possibility that the case could be revisited if new evidence emerges, though no further action was announced Monday.

This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.