Nolan Wells' independent autopsy says cause, manner of death 'undetermined'

[00:00:00]That is right, Judy. As you mentioned, the cause of death remains undetermined, leaving so many unanswered questions as the investigation continues. Attorney Crump says the autopsy uncovered key findings he believes warrant further investigation.

[00:00:15]>> The only question that we have is what happened to our son.

[00:00:19]>> It's a question people across the nation are asking. What happened to 18-year-old Nolan Wells of Mississippi? He was found dead after going on a boating trip to an island with friends over the 4th of July holiday. There are claims that Wells told his friends to leave the island without him, but his parents dispute that claim, saying their son would not separate from the group, especially without his phone. His parents joined attorney Ben Crump at the NAACP convention in Chicago, renewing their demand for answers while releasing the highly anticipated findings of an independent autopsy. Attorney Crump revealing the cause of death is undetermined, but says this is just the beginning of their investigation.

[00:00:58]>> We know somebody saw something. He was on a island with 300 or 400 people out there.

[00:01:04]>> In a one-on-one interview, I asked Crump what stood out the most in the pathologist's report.

[00:01:09]>> The red discoloration in the back of his head, you know, he said that was of great significance. Where is that coming from? And he says, you need to know that when you're trying to determine the manner and cause of death.

[00:01:25]>> Crump also raising concerns about Wells's throat being removed during the initial autopsy.

[00:01:30]>> He wants to know why the medical examiner in Mississippi held back the throat, and he wants an opportunity to examine the throat to see if it had any fractures, any compressions.

[00:01:41]>> A spokesperson for the Mississippi State Medical Examiner's office tells the I-Team that the autopsy of Wells's body was performed, quote, in accordance with standard procedures and protocols, adding, quote, we continue to urge everyone to remain patient and avoid making assumptions or drawing conclusions before the investigation is complete. We ask the public to allow the investigative process to take its course.

[00:02:05]>> Why should viewers here in the Chicagoland area and beyond care about this case?

[00:02:10]>> It's not lost on anybody that Chicago native Emmett Till went to Mississippi and was lynched. And so now today, you have somewhat of a reversal of that journey where you have, you know, Nolan's parents, Christina Elmore, coming to Chicago from Mississippi. And it hearkens everybody back to that this is Mississippi and that we have to fight for truth and transparency.

[00:02:41]>> The state of Mississippi's autopsy is still pending. A spokesperson said, "Investigators remain committed to following the facts wherever they lead and ensuring a thorough investigation."

[00:02:51]Meanwhile, attorney Crump is urging anyone with information on the Nolan Wells case to contact his law firm.

[00:02:58]>> Still so many unanswered questions at this point.

[00:03:00]>> just seeing the reaction in person from the parents, it was just gut-wrenching, truly.