Nolan Wells’s An independent autopsy has been complicated by several factors as his family still awaits answers. Lawyer says independent autopsy commissioned by Wells family inconclusive Ben Crump Announced Wednesday, July 22.
An autopsy found the teen’s cause and manner of death were “undetermined” pending further investigation. Crump announced the preliminary findings before a sold-out crowd at the annual NAACP national convention in Chicago.
Autopsy results and complications
An independent autopsy report did not show any evidence of broken bones or deep tissue damage, the Associated Press reported. Crump said the report also described a “red discoloration” on the back of Wells’ skull as “inconclusive” and worthy of further investigation.
Dr. Robert Mitchell, the forensic pathologist who conducted the autopsy, wrote in his report that the possibility that “non-accidental factors contributed to or resulted in death” could not be ruled out.
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Several factors complicate an autopsy. Wells’ body was decomposed and an autopsy had been performed, meaning organs including lungs and neck structures had been removed, the Associated Press reported. This practice is not uncommon for autopsies. However, it does not determine whether Wells suffered a neck injury or whether water entered his lungs, according to Mitchell’s report.
Crump has now urged state officials to provide evidence for the family to review.
The Mississippi Medical Examiner has not yet released the results of the state’s autopsy. Toxicology testing can take weeks. Those results have also yet to be published.
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Lawyers for Wells’ family said they spoke with prosecutors last week about procedural issues. However, Sheriff’s Department officials have not shared any updated information on the outcome of the investigation following Wells’ death.
A teenager from Ocean Springs, Mississippi, was found dead in the water on the northwest tip of Horn Island on Monday morning, July 6. Wells disappeared on July 4 after sailing to the island with friends. this The search for the teen has been called off Passed by a body found Monday, July 6, park rangers.
