Nolan Wells death: Independent autopsy findings revealed in Chicago

CHICAGO - Attorney Ben Crump released preliminary findings from an independent autopsy Wednesday morning in the death of Mississippi teenager Nolan Wells during a news conference at the NAACP National Convention in Chicago.

Nolan Wells independent autopsy findings

What we know:

Crump was joined by Wells' parents, Christine and Elmore Wonsley, at an 8 a.m. news conference at McCormick Place. The family's legal team released the first public medical findings from an independent examination of the 18-year-old's death.

Dr. Roger Mitchell conducted the independent autopsy on July 19 after Wells' body was released following the initial autopsy.

According to the preliminary report, the cause and manner of Wells' death remain undetermined pending the ongoing investigation. The report also states the date of death is unknown.

Mitchell identified a red discoloration in the soft tissue on the back of Wells' head but said he could not determine its cause. He described the finding as a significant concern and said it was important enough to be highlighted in the preliminary report for further investigation.

Mitchell also said Wells' throat was missing when he received the body, preventing him from examining the neck for fractures or signs of compression. He said those findings could have helped determine whether Wells entered the water conscious or unconscious and whether he may have been forced into the water.

The preliminary report states the examination was inconclusive because of the body's extensive decomposition. Despite that, Mitchell said the red discoloration warranted additional investigation.

Mitchell also said he could not rule out whether any intervening, non-accidental factors contributed to or caused Wells' death. He said the findings do not exclude the possibility of foul play.

The backstory:

The announcement comes as Rev. Al Sharpton has offered a $50,000 reward through the National Action Network for information leading to an arrest and conviction.

"He was not on that island by himself," Sharpton said. "Somebody saw something and knows something. So I didn't come to make money. I came to give money. Stand up and tell the truth."

Sharpton announced the reward during Wells' funeral Monday, saying someone at the July 4 gathering on Mississippi's Horn Island knows what happened.

"We cannot say it was racist, but we cannot say it was not racist," Sharpton said. "So let's not judge either way until all the evidence is in."

Wells disappeared July 4 after traveling by boat with friends to Horn Island. His body was found July 6 near the island's northwestern tip after a two-day search. Authorities have not announced a cause or manner of death, and the investigation remains ongoing.

The official autopsy has not been released, making Wednesday's announcement the first independent medical findings expected to be shared publicly.

What's next:

The NAACP recently adopted a resolution calling on local, state and federal authorities, including the U.S. Department of Justice, to conduct a thorough and transparent investigation into Wells' death.

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