Does Nolan Wells’ death rule out “non-accidental factors”? What does a forensic pathologist say?
Nolan Wells’s An independent autopsy left many unanswered questions, including how he died. 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.
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.
ALSO READ | Nolan Wells’ grandfather speaks out during inquiry, ‘I’ve seen and dealt with racism…’
Forensic pathologist says ‘non-accidental factors’ cannot be ruled out
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.
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.
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.
ALSO READ | Was Nolan Welles spotted “dressed”? Cajun union reveals truth, slams Ben Crump: ‘Don’t twist our words’
Crump said he is working with local prosecutors to examine the teen’s cell phone. Once the investigation is complete, prosecutors will present their findings to a grand jury, Crump said.
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.
