The findings of the investigation into Nolan Wells' death will be presented to a grand jury once the inquiry is complete, Jackson County officials confirmed Wednesday (July 15) — while cautioning that the process does not necessarily mean investigators suspect criminal activity.
Civil rights attorney Ben Crump, who represents the Wells family, announced the development following a morning meeting between the family and Jackson County District Attorney Angel Myers McIlrath — the first such meeting since Wells' body was recovered July 6.
Crump described the meeting as "respectful" and said both sides were honest and candid during the discussion. According to Crump, McIlrath explained the legal process that would follow once the sheriff's investigation is complete and confirmed the findings will be presented to a grand jury once investigators finish their work, per ABC News.
The DA's office clarified that convening a grand jury does not necessarily mean investigators suspect criminal activity. It is standard procedure in Jackson County for most unnatural or suspicious deaths.
"A thorough investigation must be completed, and the district attorney must put every relevant fact before the grand jury," Crump said in a statement. "Nothing held back. Nothing overlooked."
Crump also said experts working with the family and the district attorney's office will conduct a mutual inspection of Wells' cellphone, per WLBT. The family has previously raised concerns about the phone's location history and whether content was missing when it was recovered.
The FBI has also assisted Jackson County investigators with certain aspects of the case, including threats involving people connected to the investigation. The Jackson County Sheriff's Office remains the lead agency.
Crump did not provide a new timeline for the independent autopsy results but said he hopes to release the findings soon. The official autopsy report, including toxicology findings, also remains pending.
Wednesday also brought clarity on funeral arrangements. Wells' mother, Christine Wonsley, announced the homegoing celebration will be held Monday, July 20, at Center Pointe Church in Ocean Springs, Mississippi. Visitation will run from 9 to 11 a.m., with services beginning immediately after. Rev. Al Sharpton will officiate. A celebration of life will follow at the Jackson County Fairgrounds.
Crump thanked actor and filmmaker Tyler Perry for paying for the funeral expenses and former NFL quarterback Colin Kaepernick for funding the independent autopsy.
Perry said in a statement that his decision to help was personal. "I know what it's like to not have the answers that loved ones so desperately need," he said.
The Congressional Black Caucus also issued a statement Wednesday amplifying the family's calls for transparency.
"Too many questions remain unanswered. The Wells family, the Mississippi community, and the American people deserve a full, transparent, independent, and timely investigation," the CBC said.
The investigation remains active and ongoing. The official cause and manner of Wells' death have not yet been publicly released.
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