Nolan Wells’ independent autopsy results in ‘undetermined’ cause and manner of death

Nolan Wells’ independent autopsy results in ‘undetermined’ cause and manner of death

A preliminary independent autopsy of 18-year-old Nolan Xavier Wells found both the cause and manner of his death to be undetermined pending further investigation, according to findings revealed by attorney Ben Crump during a July 22 news conference at the 117th NAACP National Convention.

The autopsy was performed on July 10 by Dr. Roger Mitchell, a board-certified forensic pathologist and president of the National Medical Association. The procedure was funded by former NFL player Colin Kaepernick. While the results were inconclusive, Crump stated that Dr. Mitchell could not rule out foul play.

The report highlighted several critical limitations. Because the examination was a second autopsy and the body had undergone marked decomposition, Mitchell was unable to determine if there was bruising or abrasions on the skin. He was also unable to fully examine the stomach, the airway and lungs for water, or the throat and anterior neck structures.

Crump noted that parts of Wells’ throat were missing when the body was received for review. Mitchell assumed these portions were retained by the state medical examiner for further evaluation. Consequently, Crump stated that the pathologist cannot rule out injury to the neck as a cause or contributor to death.

One notable finding in the report was red discoloration on the soft tissue at the back of Wells' head near the occipital bone. Crump described the discoloration as significant.

The report further stated that it could not be determined how Wells ended up in the water or if he was conscious when he entered. Crump called the condition of Wells before entering the water the crux of the matter in determining the cause and manner of death.

Wells, a football player at Southwest Mississippi Community College, disappeared on July 4 after visiting Horn Island with high school friends. His friends told police that Wells decided to stay behind to catch a ride back later after their boat began taking on water. His mother reported him missing around midnight that night, and a U.S. Park ranger found his body on the northwestern shore of the island on July 6.

The death has sparked a conflict regarding the details of the recovery. Authorities stated Wells was found wearing only swim trunks. However, Crump suggested that the United Cajun Navy, which assisted in the search, told the family Wells was wearing a T-shirt. Brian Trascher of the Cajun Navy disputed this, stating he observed from the air that Wells was wearing only swim trunks and accused the lawyer of misrepresenting the agency's statements.

Contradicting this, Todd Terrell, president of the United Cajun Navy, told Nancy Grace that the body was found fully clothed and face down. Crump called this detail significant because Wells was shirtless the last time he was seen on camera.

The family of Wells has rejected law enforcement suggestions that the teenager accidentally drowned, citing his athletic build and swimming ability. Conversely, individuals familiar with Horn Island told NBC News that drowning is not unsurprising on the western side of the island due to currents.

Other points of concern for the family include the teen's cell phone and a recorded argument on the island. Rev. Al Sharpton and Crump stated the family is aware of the argument, though a friend of Wells, Tracestin Shepherd, disputed that Wells appeared in the video. Christine Wells-Wonsley also said that Snapchat activity on the phone appeared to have been erased faster than the app's normal expiration window.

The Jackson County coroner also performed an autopsy, but those results have not been released. Jackson County Coroner Bruce Lynd stated on July 21 that the state's report was not yet finished, as the office awaits a toxicology report from the medical examiner. A toxicology report was not included in Dr. Mitchell's independent findings.

Public attention has intensified following a July 20 funeral service for Wells at Center Pointe Church in Ocean Springs, Mississippi. The service was funded by filmmaker Tyler Perry and attended by Spike Lee and Terrell Owens. A combined reward of $125,000 has been offered for information leading to an arrest and conviction: $50,000 from Rev. Al Sharpton, $50,000 from Tyler Perry, and $25,000 from Terrell Owens.

The Jackson County Sheriff's Office maintains that investigators have found no signs of foul play. Once the sheriff's office concludes its investigation, the case will be presented to a grand jury by Jackson County District Attorney Angel Myers McIlrath. Crump has called for Dr. Mitchell to be included when that grand jury hears the results.