Story perspectives

Grand Jury Declines Charges in Nolan Wells Death

By Drooid · Sep 27, 2026, 2:56 PM UTC · How we work

Summary

Nolan Wells Ruling

A Mississippi grand jury ruled Nolan Wells' death consistent with drowning and declined to file charges.
The 23-member panel found no evidence of foul play, fatal injury, or disease.
State autopsy reported an empty stomach, no water in lungs or throat, and an undetermined manner.
An independent autopsy noted recent blunt-force injuries to Wells' head, back and shoulder, cause unknown.

Summary

CBC Demands DOJ Review

Congressional Black Caucus urged an independent Department of Justice review of Wells’ case on Aug. 12.
NAACP General Counsel Kristen Clarke demanded release of the full autopsy and investigative files.
U.S. Senate candidate Scott Colom called for public disclosure of the state autopsy report.
District Attorney Angel Myers McIlrath said the office received about 300 pages of phone data, not the full download.

History

Historical Context

In March 1991, the videotaped beating of Rodney King sparked a DOJ civil-rights investigation that led to federal indictments and two officer convictions in 1993, with the city later paying a $3.8 million settlement. That federal oversight model is echoed today as Mississippi’s grand jury cleared Nolan Wells’ death, prompting the Congressional Black Caucus and NAACP to call for an independent DOJ review.

1 of 3

Nolan Wells Ruling

A Mississippi grand jury ruled Nolan Wells' death consistent with drowning and declined to file charges.
The 23-member panel found no evidence of foul play, fatal injury, or disease.
State autopsy reported an empty stomach, no water in lungs or throat, and an undetermined manner.
An independent autopsy noted recent blunt-force injuries to Wells' head, back and shoulder, cause unknown.

1 / 3