Forensic experts reveal deleted phone data and missing lung fluid in Nolan Wells case

Key points

Forensic expert Andrew Garrett confirmed that data was deleted from Wells' phone between his last access at 2:18 p.m. and its recovery by his family.

The state autopsy found no water in Wells' lungs, airways, or stomach, and noted two 2-inch bruises on the back of his head.

A grand jury previously ruled the death consistent with accidental drowning, but the family disputes this due to the lack of water in the body.

Recovered Snapchat messages revealed friends expressed concerns about racism and suspicious individuals on Horn Island.

Attorney Ben Crump urged the public to come forward with information, stating the family is not accusing anyone of nefarious intent but seeks the truth.

Background

Nolan Wells, 18, disappeared during a July 4 boat trip to Horn Island, Mississippi, and was found dead two days later. Previous coverage noted that both state and independent autopsies listed the cause of death as undetermined, while a grand jury in September found no evidence of foul play or racial motivation. The family has long sought transparency, citing delays in receiving autopsy reports and disputes over phone inspection terms with local authorities.

How outlets are covering it

While the Jackson County District Attorney's office and grand jury maintain that the death was consistent with accidental drowning and not racially motivated, the family's attorneys, including Ben Crump, argue that the absence of water in the lungs and deleted phone data suggest foul play. The New York Post highlights a forensic pathologist's theory of 'dry drowning' to explain the lack of water, whereas WLOX and WHIO TV emphasize the deleted data and racial concerns in the recovered messages. The family disputes the official narrative, noting that they were not provided the autopsy report until after the grand jury ruling, despite earlier assurances from the DA's office.

Why it matters

The conflicting forensic evidence and deleted phone data have intensified public scrutiny of the investigation, raising questions about transparency and potential cover-ups in the handling of the case. The family's push for justice has drawn national attention to the handling of the investigation and the role of racial concerns in the community.

What to watch

The family plans to continue seeking justice, potentially through federal review or further legal action, as they await any new evidence that may reopen the case. Authorities have stated that the case could be reopened if credible new evidence emerges, given Mississippi's lack of a homicide statute of limitations.