The family of Nolan Wells is speaking out after a grand jury ruled that there is no evidence to support criminal charges in his death, a decision they vehemently reject.
During a press conference held today, Wells’ mother expressed her deep frustration with both the outcome and the way it was communicated.“She (the DA) released the information via Facebook. To me, that showed a lack of empathy and a need to get this case done and over with,” she said. “How can a jury come to the conclusion of drowning, despite knowing that there was trauma to his body, and despite hearing many inconsistencies? Elmore and I do not believe that Nolan simply and accidentally drowned and nobody saw anything and no one knows anything.”
The grand jury’s report, released Monday by the Jackson County District Attorney’s office, concluded that the investigation—which included witness testimony, physical and digital evidence, and GPS and cellphone data—found no evidence of criminal or racially motivated wrongdoing. The report stated that the condition, time of discovery, and location of Wells’ body were “consistent with drowning.”
Attorneys for the family argue that the report is insufficient, noting that it fails to explain the blunt force trauma discovered on the back of Wells’ head and body. The family is now renewing their call for the U.S. Department of Justice to launch an independent investigation into the case.
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For months, Wells’ parents have been on a relentless campaign to secure answers, bringing their son’s story to national platforms including the National Urban League Conference, the National Association of Black Journalists convention, and the Congressional Black Caucus annual legislative conference.
Their quest for justice received a major boost on August 17, when the NAACP’s Office of General Counsel announced it was joining the family’s legal team. “We’re taking up this fight to search for truth and to demand transparency concerning the tragic death of Nolan Wells,” said NAACP General Counsel Kristen Clarke. “We will bring additional investigative and legal resources to bear and ensure that no stone is left unturned in the quest for truth and accountability for Nolan’s family.”