Why Medical Examiners Can’t Rush to Conclusions | Nolan Wells Case with Dr. Priya Banerjee

Why Medical Examiners Can’t Rush to Conclusions | Nolan Wells Case with Dr. Priya Banerjee

July 29, 2026 · 26 min · Season 129 · Episode 1

About this episode

Sheryl McCollum discusses the Nolan Wells case with Dr. Priya Banerjee, focusing on the role of forensic pathologists in death investigations.

In this episode of Zone 7 , Sheryl McCollum is joined by board-certified forensic pathologist Dr. Priya Banerjee for a conversation about the ongoing investigation into the death of Nolan Wells. Using publicly known facts of the case, Dr. Priya explains how forensic pathologists approach a suspected drowning and why an autopsy is only one part of a death investigation. Together, they discuss why following the evidence, not speculation, is what will bring Nolan’s family the answers they need. Highlights: (0:00) Sheryl McCollum introduces Dr. Priya Banerjee to Zone 7 and explains why Nolan Wells’ family deserves facts, not speculation (3:00) Why forensic pathologists rarely release preliminary autopsy findings before an investigation is complete (6:00) Reconstructing Nolan Wells’ timeline and why seemingly trivial details can become important evidence (7:45) What forensic pathologists look for when investigating a possible drowning (10:15) Water in the lungs, stomach contents, decomposition, and why drowning is never diagnosed by one finding alone (12:15) When families seek a second autopsy and how independent findings…

People in this episode

Host: Sheryl McCollum

Guest: Dr. Priya Banerjee

Topics covered

Keywords

More episodes of Zone 7 with Sheryl McCollum

Explore listener stats, chart rankings, contacts and more on the Zone 7 with Sheryl McCollum podcast page.