Nolan Wells Charges Declined
A grand jury found no criminal wrongdoing in the Mississippi teen's death.
September 22, 2026 · Updated Sep 22, 10:55am ET
CNNGrand jury finds no evidence of criminal wrongdoing in Nolan Wells’ death
NewsweekNolan Wells grand jury declines charges after teen's death: Read report
Just the NewsGrand jury: No evidence of wrongdoing in Nolan Wells death
The GuardianMississippi grand jury decides not to charge anyone in death of Nolan Wells
UPIGrand jury: No charges in the death of Nolan Wells
FOX NewsNolan Wells' friends cleared by grand jury as their lawyers vow to hold online accusers accountable
Boston GlobeNo charges in Nolan Wells's death following grand jury review
ABC NewsNo charges in Nolan Wells' death following grand jury review
The Daily WireGrand Jury Delivers Blow To Racial Accusations In Black Teenager’s Death
Seattle TimesNo charges in Nolan Wells’ death following grand jury review
Associated PressNo charges in Nolan Wells' death following grand jury review
HuffPostNo Charges In Nolan Wells' Death Following Grand Jury Review
BBC NewsGrand jury declines to bring criminal charges in Nolan Wells death
Rolling StoneGrand Jury Investigating Death of Nolan Wells Decides Against Indictments
NBC NewsNo criminal charges in death of Nolan Wells, grand jury finds
Straight Arrow NewsGrand jury finds no evidence of crime in Nolan Wells' death, points to drowning
NPRGrand jury finds no evidence of criminal conduct in the death of Nolan Wells
CBS NewsGrand jury declines to indict anyone in the death of Mississippi teen Nolan Wells
33%
Left · 6
50%
Center · 9
17%
Right · 3
Pano rates the coverage Balanced.
What happened
A Jackson County, Mississippi, grand jury declined to indict anyone in the death of 18-year-old Nolan Wells, issuing a no true bill. It also found no credible evidence that people on the Triton, Palm Beach, or Tideline boats committed crimes related to his death. Wells disappeared after going by boat with friends to Horn Island on July 4, and his body was found two days later near the island’s northwestern tip. The case drew intense speculation because Wells was Black and most friends with him were white. District Attorney Angel Myers McIlrath said there was no racial motive or trip-related crime. Wells’ family and attorney Ben Crump
Benjamin CrumpAmerican jurist called the report incomplete and urged a federal review. The case could return if credible new evidence emerges.
How the left told it
Left-leaning accounts led with the legal outcome while treating the case as a closely watched mystery shaped by racial concern. CNN emphasized that prosecutors saw no chargeable crime, while The Guardian lingered on the national attention and speculation around Wells’ death. CNN also cited Ben Crump saying the result left unanswered questions, especially about injuries and the investigation.
How the right told it
Right-leaning accounts framed the central lesson as a warning against a racial-murder narrative they saw as unsupported. The Daily Wire blamed internet sleuths, Democratic politicians, and lawyers for fueling racial tension through baseless claims. Just the News treated the decision as clearing Wells’ friends, while Fox News focused on efforts to hold online accusers accountable.
