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JACKSON, Mississippi (WAPT) — The investigation into the death of 18-year-old Nolan Wells continues as a second autopsy raises new questions about what happened before he entered the water.
The state autopsy was conducted July 7. Three days later, on July 10, forensic pathologist Dr. Rodney Mitchell conducted an independent autopsy. His preliminary report, completed July 19, says the cause of death remains undetermined.
Civil rights attorney Ben Crump, who represents the Wells family, said the independent autopsy found the cause of death is still unclear.
“Cause of death undetermined. Pending investigation.”
Wells was found dead after disappearing during a Fourth of July trip to Horn Island.
Crump said the independent autopsy found an area of red discoloration and soft tissue injury on the back of Wells’ head.
“Preliminary findings. This is significant. Focal area of red discoloration, and soft tissue of the back of the head.”
Crump said the condition of Wells’ body made it difficult for Mitchell to determine whether there were additional injuries.
“What he’s saying, because the body was so decomposed that you cannot tell if there were bruises or abrasions on the body when he received it.”
Crump also said Mitchell was unable to fully examine Wells’ throat during the second autopsy.
“So he’s saying that the throat was not received with the body when he got Nolan Wells ‘ body from Washington DC to perform the second autopsy.”
Crump said investigators also need to determine whether Wells was conscious or unconscious before entering the water.
He said reviewing evidence from the state’s examination could help the independent pathologist reach a conclusion.
“We are hopeful that the Mississippi medical examiner would give Dr. Mitchell an opportunity to see their photographs and their observations to the condition of known Wells’ body closer in time to July 4.”
Wells’ father, Elmore Wonsley, said the family will continue to seek answers.
“Please keep us in your prayers. And we’re going to keep pushing and fighting until we find answers.”
Mississippi NAACP President Derrick Johnson said the family deserves to know what happened to Wells.
“There are a lot of questions to be answered, and we just want to make sure that this family know exactly, exactly what happened to their son.”
The next step is further investigation, including a review of the state’s autopsy photographs and observations that could provide more information about the circumstances surrounding Wells’ death.
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