Judge Greg Mathis has publicly disputed the theory that Nolan Wells drowned, saying available facts create 'reasonable suspicion' of foul play and urging a more comprehensive investigation. An independent autopsy by Dr. Roger Mitchell concluded the cause and manner of death were 'undetermined' and noted limitations because parts of the body were removed during the initial state autopsy. Wells vanished on July 4 and his body was recovered two days later; Mississippi's full autopsy and toxicology results have not been released.
Judge Greg Mathis Questions Drowning Conclusion In Nolan Wells Case, Calls For Deeper Probe
Photo by JC Olivera/Variety via Getty Images
Television judge Greg Mathis has publicly challenged the prevailing conclusion that 18-year-old Nolan Wells drowned during a July 4 boating trip to Horn Island, saying the facts disclosed so far raise 'reasonable suspicion' that a crime may have occurred and urging a more forceful, transparent investigation.
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Speaking on The Art of Dialogue podcast, Mathis said he does not accept drowning as the likely cause: 'I don't believe he drowned, I believe he was killed,' while stressing that his view is preliminary and that a full review of evidence is necessary.
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'You don't leave your friend on an island, seeing that he has left his phone, and not at least go back,' Mathis said. 'You came there with him. You left him there. You say because he wanted to stay, but you notice that he's left his phone. How was he gonna get home in the first place? Wouldn't he need his phone in order to call his transportation?'
Attorney Ben Crump said an independent autopsy commissioned by the Wells family and conducted by forensic pathologist Dr. Roger Mitchell found the cause and manner of death to be 'undetermined.' Mitchell reportedly could not fully evaluate some critical evidence because portions of the body had been removed during the state's initial autopsy.
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Wells disappeared during a July 4 outing to Horn Island; a park ranger recovered his body two days later. Mississippi authorities initially said they believed drowning was the cause, but the state's full autopsy and toxicology results have not been released publicly.
Mathis pointed to several issues he believes require closer scrutiny: the missing cellphone, reports that Snapchat content may have been deleted, and inconsistent witness accounts. He also warned that a grand jury can only consider the evidence prosecutors present, underscoring the need for a thorough and transparent presentation of all findings.
The Wells family's call for a broader investigation has drawn support from prominent figures including Colin Kaepernick, Tyler Perry, Byron Allen and Rev. Al Sharpton. Crump said the independent findings are 'another part of the puzzle' and that important questions remain unanswered.
As public attention grows, legal observers and the family are pressing for the release of the state's forensic reports and for investigators to examine all leads to determine whether foul play occurred.
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