Story perspectives

Jury Issues No True Bill in Nolan Wells Death

By Drooid · Sep 24, 2026, 4:14 PM UTC · How we work

Summary

Story summary

U.S. District Attorney Angel Myers McIlrath announced the Jackson County jury returned a no true bill in Nolan Wells’ death.
The 23-member jury heard 43 witnesses, issued 132 subpoenas, and examined Wells’ July 4 disappearance and July 6 death.
The grand jury said the scene matched drowning, while both autopsies listed the death as undetermined and noted head bruising.
Civil-rights attorney Ben Crump urged further investigation, noting Mississippi has no homicide statute of limitations.

History

Historical Context

In August 1955, the lynching of 14-year-old Emmett Till in Money, Mississippi sparked national outrage and helped launch the civil-rights movement. Federal response later included the 2022 Emmett Till Antilynching Act. In 2024, U.S. District Attorney Angel Myers McIlrath’s decision in Nolan Wells’ death revived calls, echoed by lawyer Ben Crump, for the same reforms.

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Story summary

U.S. District Attorney Angel Myers McIlrath announced the Jackson County jury returned a no true bill in Nolan Wells’ death.
The 23-member jury heard 43 witnesses, issued 132 subpoenas, and examined Wells’ July 4 disappearance and July 6 death.
The grand jury said the scene matched drowning, while both autopsies listed the death as undetermined and noted head bruising.
Civil-rights attorney Ben Crump urged further investigation, noting Mississippi has no homicide statute of limitations.

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