Nolan Wells' cause and manner of death 'undetermined,' state autopsy report finds
A private pathologist also found the cause and manner of death undetermined, while investigators said no criminal charges are warranted at this point.
- On Wednesday, the family of Nolan Xavier Wells released a Mississippi State Medical Examiner autopsy report ruling his cause and manner of death "undetermined."
- Authorities previously concluded Nolan drowned following a July 4, 2026, trip to Horn Island, though a Jackson County grand jury's decision to clear friends remains disputed by his parents, Christine and Elmore Wonsley.
- Attorney Ben Crump stated findings raise questions, noting "subcutaneous scalp contusions" and a lack of fluid in lungs, while an independent autopsy documented a 12-by-8-inch area of "red discoloration."
- Digital records, including Snapchat and Instagram data, revealed messages allegedly deleted after Nolan died, causing his mother, Christine Wonsley, to state it is unlikely he "accidentally drowned in broad daylight."
- While the case remains closed, Jackson County Sheriff John Ledbetter noted the department welcomes the independent investigation and that it could be reopened if new, credible evidence emerges.
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Connect FM | Local News Radio | Dubois, PANolan Wells’ cause and manner of death ‘undetermined,’ state autopsy report finds
(NEW YORK) - The family of Nolan Wells on Wednesday released the Mississippi State Medical Examiner's autopsy report on the 18-year-old's death. It found that the cause and manner of death are "undetermined." This conclusion matches the findings of the private autopsy commissioned by Wells' [...]
New Nolan Wells Autopsy Details Raise Questions: No Water Found In Lungs, Phone Data Deleted Day He Disappeared
The latest development in the Nolan Wells case is raising even more questions about what happened to the 18-year-old Black college student before his body was found on a Mississippi island. According to WESH, a digital forensic team has released preliminary findings from its examination of Wells’ cellphone, and the results are adding another layer […]
The family of Nolan Wells, who was found dead, doubts the investigation. Their lawyer is demanding access to the files and an independent review.
Mississippi DA challenges Crump to show evidence, stop 'playing games' in Nolan Wells case
Angel Myers McIlrath, the district attorney for the 19th Circuit Court District of Mississippi, slammed prominent civil rights attorney Ben Crump as “not worthy of our trust” after he challenged a grand jury’s finding that there is insufficient evidence to charge anyone in the July death of 18-year-old Nolan Wells on Horn Island, a barrier island off the Mississippi coast.
Jackson County DA to Crump: Stop playing games
"The Crump team is asking the public to ask questions that the Crump team has the answers to," Jackson County District Attorney Angel Myers McIlrath said Thursday. "My interactions with Mr. Crump, as well as his conduct in this case, has demonstrated that he is not worthy of our trust."
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