FBI Probes Threats in 18-Year-Old Nolan Wells Case as Reeves Blames Crump, Sharpton

Q: With two autopsies inconclusive, what could have caused the mysterious red mark on the Mississippi teen's head?

There is no confirmed answer yet. Based on the autopsy findings and expert commentary cited in reporting, the red mark on Nolan Wells’ head could have been either postmortem decomposition or a blunt-force injury. Dr. Roger Mitchell, the forensic pathologist who performed the independent autopsy, described the finding as red discoloration in the soft tissue at the back of the head but said he could not determine its cause or whether it contributed to death. He also could not determine Wells’ cause or manner of death. Outside forensic experts quoted in coverage said the discoloration could reflect decompositional changes in the muscle tissue, especially because Wells’ body had been in the water and had decomposed. But they also said it could be consistent with blunt trauma to the back of the head or neck. No skull fractures, lacerations or obvious deep-tissue injuries were reported, which limits how strongly trauma can be inferred from that mark alone. The uncertainty is compounded by the limits of the second autopsy. Mitchell did not have access to some retained neck structures from the first autopsy, and he could not directly examine the airway, lungs or stomach in the same way because the state autopsy had already been performed. He said that means injury to the neck cannot be ruled out. So, the red mark may have been a natural postmortem change, or it may have reflected trauma. At this point, public reporting shows that neither possibility has been proven.

3 articles · Updated · Fox News · Jul 24

Sean Tindell said the FBI is investigating threats against public officials, possible witnesses, the people with Nolan Wells before he vanished, and Wells' family.
False information about the 18-year-old's death has fueled "rage and emotion," Tindell said, driving a surge of calls to his office, including direct threats; he said Wells' mother may also have been targeted.
Tate Reeves blamed Ben Crump and Al Sharpton for stoking division and inciting the threats, while Attorney General Lynn Fitch warned anyone intimidating investigators or prosecutors will be held accountable.
The threats come as scrutiny intensifies over Wells' July 4 disappearance on Horn Island and his July 6 death, with Rep. André Carson accusing Mississippi officials of withholding transparency and Crump citing unresolved autopsy findings.