Independent autopsy leaves Nolan Wells death cause undetermined

An independent autopsy commissioned by the family of 18yearold Nolan Xavier Wells found that his cause and manner of death remain undetermined, according to a preliminary report shared on Wednesday. The pathologist said there was no evidence of fractures or deep tissue injuries, but noted an inconclusive area of red discoloration on the back of Wells’s skull. The report said the findings do not rule out the possibility that nonaccidental factors played a role. Wells was last seen on July 4 after traveling with friends to an island off the Mississippi coast. His body was found two days later in the water near the island. The Mississippi state medical examiner has not yet released its own autopsy results. Civil rights attorney Ben Crump, who represents the family, said more information is needed and called on officials to share evidence with the family. The case has drawn public attention, calls for transparency, and a $125,000 reward for information leading to an arrest and conviction.