Ben Crump blasts grand jury, demands truth on Nolan Wells case

Ben Crump, the attorney representing the family of missing fisherman Nolan Wells, is set to address the public for the first time since a grand jury decided not to file criminal charges in his death. The finding was based on an investigation that concluded Wells’ body was found in a manner consistent with drowning.

Crump plans to speak at a press conference that will be streamed live.

, which convened in April and was composed of 23 members, the position of, the condition of, time of discovery, and location of Mr. Wells' body is consistent with drowning. The finding comes amid claims that Wells’ disappearance involved foul play.

Crump has long asserted that the case was not accidental.

In a brief video released shortly after the jury’s ruling, District Attorney Angel Myers McIlrath stated that there is “absolutely no evidence” to support the claim that Nolan’s death was “racially motivated.” Crump is expected to challenge that narrative during his address.

## Background & Context

The grand jury, convened in April, heard evidence regarding Nolan Wells’ disappearance from Horn Island on the day he vanished. After reviewing the case, it determined that the circumstances surrounding his body were consistent with drowning, a conclusion that precluded criminal charges.

The decision was announced by state authorities following the grand jury’s verdict.

District Attorney Angel Myers McIlrath has publicly stated that no evidence supports a racially motivated motive for the death. The attorney emphasized this point in a video released after the grand jury’s verdict, asserting the absence of any basis for such claims.

This stance contrasts with earlier allegations that Nolan’s disappearance involved violent wrongdoing.

## What People Are Saying

Attorney Ben Crump released a written statement after the grand jury's finding, accusing the State of Mississippi of attempting to close the chapter on Nolan Wells’ death without revealing the truth. He has repeatedly insisted that foul play was involved since early July.

Crump’s comments suggest the family believes the official investigation was incomplete.

Edward Andrew Paltzik, attorney for Nolan’s friends who accompanied him to Horn Island, said the trio—Warren Hudson, Jax Pitalo, and Morgan Seymour—were always innocent. He stated, “We said it all along: Warren Hudson, Jax Pitalo, and Morgan Seymour were always completely innocent. There was never any doubt.

They are terrific people.” Paltzik’s statement counters allegations of misconduct by the friends.

With the press conference underway, observers await Crump’s full remarks on why the state’s investigation may have fallen short. The family remains determined to uncover what truly happened to Nolan Wells, while state officials maintain that the evidence supports a drowning conclusion.