Attorney Ben Crump and forensic investigator Andrew Garrett presented new evidence Thursday concerning the death of 18-year-old Nolan Wells.
The findings came two days after a Mississippi grand jury declined to bring criminal charges in Wells’ death.
Garrett said his independent forensic team recovered more than 1 million digital artifacts from Wells’ cellphone. The data included Snapchat and Instagram records, GPS information, phone records and Apple Health data.
The examination also identified messages that appeared to have been deleted or unsent, according to WAPT.
Garrett said his team submitted a preliminary report to the Jackson County District Attorney’s Office on Aug. 28. Three final reports followed Sept. 14, he said.
The reports were provided to prosecutors before the grand jury reviewed the case. The grand jury report said investigators found no evidence that Wells’ cellphone had been tampered with.
Crump’s team also examined the state medical examiner’s autopsy report. The report found no water in Wells’ lungs or throat, according to findings presented Thursday.
Attorney Ben Crump Reveals Nolan Wells’ Autopsy Shows No Water In His Lungs After Grand Jury Ruling No Foul Play
The autopsy documented contusions on the back of Wells’ head. Crump’s team said the injuries lacked surrounding white blood cells, which it said suggested they occurred shortly before Wells died.
Both the state medical examiner and an independent pathologist retained by Wells’ family classified his cause and manner of death as undetermined.
The grand jury concluded there was insufficient evidence to support criminal charges. It said circumstances surrounding Wells’ body were consistent with drowning.
Wells disappeared during a July 4 trip to Horn Island. Authorities found his body two days later.
The grand jury reviewed evidence from 43 witnesses and issued 132 subpoenas during its investigation. It ultimately found no credible evidence of criminal conduct involving people who traveled with Wells.
The grand jury’s decision has not resolved questions surrounding Wells’ death. Crump has continued seeking answers about the circumstances preceding the teenager’s death.
The cellphone examination and autopsy findings presented by Crump’s team provide additional evidence for Wells’ family as they pursue answers.
Authorities have indicated the matter could be revisited if credible new evidence emerges.
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