The family of 18-year-old Nolan Wells has received the results of an independent autopsy, which has determined that the cause and manner of his death remain "undetermined" as investigations continue. The preliminary findings were disclosed by the family's attorney, Ben Crump, during a press conference at the 117th NAACP National Convention. Dr. Roger Mitchell, a certified forensic pathologist and chief medical examiner, conducted the autopsy at the request of Wells' family. Dr. Mitchell indicated that he could not dismiss the possibility of foul play. Crump highlighted that the examination revealed red discoloration on the back of Wells' head, but noted that the investigation was limited due to missing body parts and incomplete procedures. The report was based on two autopsies, and Crump mentioned that a toxicology report was not part of the independent examination. Dr. Mitchell performed the autopsy on July 10, six days after Wells went missing and four days after his body was discovered on the northwestern shore of Horn Island.
Official Autopsy Still Pending
The official autopsy conducted by the Jackson County coroner has yet to be released. Coroner Bruce Lynd informed a news outlet that the state autopsy is incomplete as they await toxicology results from the medical examiner's office. According to the independent report, Dr. Mitchell could not ascertain whether Wells was conscious when he entered the water or how he ended up there. Crump emphasized that understanding Wells' condition prior to entering the water is crucial for determining the cause and manner of death. The report also indicated that advanced decomposition hindered Dr. Mitchell's ability to identify any bruising on Wells' body. Crump stated that parts of Wells' throat were missing during the examination, and Dr. Mitchell could not rule out that an injury to the neck may have contributed to or caused Wells' death. Crump urged local law enforcement to share the findings from the state autopsy with Dr. Mitchell and suggested that the forensic pathologist should be allowed to testify if a grand jury in Mississippi reviews the case.
Who is Dr Roger Mitchell?
Dr. Roger Mitchell is a board-certified forensic pathologist and serves as the president of the National Medical Association, recognized as the oldest and largest organization of Black physicians in the United States. He is also a tenured professor of pathology and the chief medical officer for the faculty practice at Howard University, where he completed his education. Dr. Mitchell co-authored the book "Death in Custody: How America Ignores the Truth and What We Can Do About It," which addresses preventable deaths in U.S. jails and prisons.
Investigation Continues
Nolan Wells was last seen on July 4, after he traveled to Horn Island with friends to celebrate the holiday. According to police reports, his friends left the island early due to their boat taking on water, while Wells opted to stay behind and return later with others. When he failed to come home that night, his mother reported him missing shortly before midnight. His body was found by a U.S. National Park Service ranger on July 6. Before the independent autopsy findings were revealed, Wells' mother, Christine Wells-Wonsley, expressed the family's distress, stating, "There are so many people in the public asking questions, but the only question we have is what happened to our son." She noted that the family's decision to pursue an independent autopsy was partly due to the delay in the official state autopsy report.
