Jackson County District Attorney Angel Myers McIlrath has pledged to present a thorough investigation into the death of Mississippi teenager Nolan Wells to a grand jury, pushing back against what she described as public pressure for information. McIlrath stated that she is legally unable to share details publicly while the investigation is ongoing.
"I understand that a void is perceived when some are speaking publicly about a matter while others do not. I would be stepping outside the bounds of the law if I were to fill that void and share information publicly," McIlrath said in a statement. She emphasized her commitment to her oath and responsibility to the people she serves, asserting that no external pressure will compromise the integrity of the investigation.
Nolan Wells vanished on July 4th while on a boat trip with friends to Horn Island, a barrier island approximately 10 miles off the Gulf Coast. His body was recovered two days later. The case materials, along with the state medical examiner's autopsy report, will be presented to a grand jury to determine if Wells' death involved a crime. The findings of the state's autopsy have not yet been released.
The District Attorney's office has previously noted that convening a grand jury is standard procedure for suspicious or unnatural deaths in the county and does not automatically indicate criminality. McIlrath reiterated that her obligation is to present all collected evidence to the grand jury so they can reach a decision based on the facts and the law.
McIlrath had previously urged patience on July 23, acknowledging the public's urgency but stressing the need to protect the investigation's integrity. She cautioned the public against trusting unverified information found online and asked that individuals allow the legal process to work without demanding she violate legal boundaries.
Wells would have turned 19 on Wednesday. His family, supported by the office of their attorney Ben Crump, plans to hold a prayer rally to honor his life and continue their call for truth, transparency, and accountability. The family is seeking the release of official autopsy findings and full transparency from state investigators. Crump's office stated that the rally will bring together faith leaders, advocates, family, and community members to remember Wells and support his family's pursuit of the truth.
Wells' mother, Christine Wonsley, shared last week that his absence is becoming more profound as his birthday approaches. She expressed the family's sole desire to know what happened to their son. A private autopsy commissioned by the family has preliminarily found the cause and manner of death to be undetermined pending investigation, though the independent pathologist noted limitations in the report, according to the family's attorney.