A grand jury in Jackson County, Mississippi, has unanimously decided not to bring criminal charges in the death of 18-year-old Nolan Wells. CNN noted that according to a report released by the Jackson County District Attorney’s office, the jury found no evidence of criminal or racially motivated wrongdoing in the teen’s death after a July 4th boat trip. However, the decision has sparked intense public reaction on Instagram and deep frustration from the Wells family.
Per The Guardian, the jury’s investigation was extensive, involving 132 subpoenas and testimony from 43 witnesses. Jurors reviewed a wide array of evidence, including GPS data, cellphone records, photos, videos, and a 261-page Snapchat conversation report. The grand jury ultimately concluded that the position and condition of Wells’ body were consistent with drowning.
