“How Can a Jury Come to the Conclusion of Drowning?”: Nolan Wells’ Parents Say DA Showed “Lack of Empathy” While Speaking Out on Their Son’s Case

Nolan Wells’ parents open up about the grand jury verdict, stating that the District Attorney showed “lack of empathy.”

On September 22, 2026, Nolan Wells’ mother, Christine Wonsley, shared her thoughts on the grand jury’s decision. The panel determined that no criminal charges would be pursued in Wells’ death, citing insufficient evidence. For context, WLOX, a Mississippi local news outlet, reported on July 6, 2026, that the body of 18-year-old Nolan Wells was found in the water off Horn Island. This was after he was reported missing on the night of July 4. The family hired attorney Ben Crump, whose team conducted an independent investigation into the case.

NBC News reports that the grand jury determined that no criminal charges would be pressed against anyone, citing a lack of evidence. According to the reports, they had also determined that Wells’ body was “consistent with drowning.” At a press conference following the announcement, Wells’ mother said the district attorney posted the hearing’s findings on Facebook shortly after texting the family about it. In Wonsley’s view, this showed a “lack of empathy” from the official. She said that although she and her husband had gone through the reports more than once, they “still have no answers” about their son’s death. She said:

“Last night, at 7:54 p.m., I received a text message from the DA informing Elmore and I, that the grand jury report had been filed earlier in the day. Shortly after this text message, she released the information via Facebook. To me, that action showed a lack of empathy and a need to get this case done and over with…. Elmore and I have read through the report page by page, more than once. What we learned is that we still have no answers, and the report reinforced the fact that Nolan was not given a thorough, transparent, and honest investigation.”

Nolan Wells’ mother also questioned the jury’s conclusion of drowning. She cited blunt trauma to her son’s head found in the autopsy findings. Pointing to what she called “inconsistencies,” she said that she and her husband, Elmore, “do not believe that Nolan simply and accidentally drowned.” As she held back tears, she said:

“So my question is, 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. Last night was a reminder that our son’s life does not matter to those who hold positions that are supposed to serve and protect the public.”

Nolan Wells’ Mother Christine Wonsley Talks About Her Son

In this press conference, Nolan Wells’ mother, Christine Wonsley, suggested there was a lack of transparency in the verdict. In her speech, she said that Wells embodied honesty. Furthermore, she also said that he would support “every single thing” his parents are doing to seek justice in the case. She said:

“Nolan is loved, he is cherished, he is honoured, and he did not deserve to have his life taken away so suddenly. Nolan embodies kindness and love. But most importantly, honesty, and I know, without a shadow of a doubt, that if Nolan would be here right now, he would be in full support. He would support every single thing his father and I have done.”

Also Read: Travel YouTuber, 27, Reportedly Found Dead Two Weeks After Going Missing