PETITION FOR REVIEW OF THE PERFORMANCE OF THE CHIEF MEDICAL EXAMINER OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI

To: The Governor of the State of Mississippi, the Mississippi State Legislature, the Mississippi State Department of Health, and all other appropriate state authorities.

Petition

We, the undersigned registered voters and residents of the State of Mississippi, respectfully submit this petition requesting an immediate and independent review of the performance, conduct, and administration of the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner under the leadership of Dr. Staci Turner.

The petitioners have serious concerns regarding what they believe to be a pattern of inadequate oversight and unequal treatment in the investigation of deaths involving Black Americans. Specifically, petitioners request that state officials investigate allegations that certain deaths resulting from traumatic bodily injuries have been classified as “undetermined,” “suicide,” or “accidental drowning” without sufficient investigation, and that in some cases autopsies have allegedly been declined or not performed when the death involved a body of water.

Petitioners believe these concerns warrant an immediate, transparent, and independent investigation into the policies, practices, and decision-making processes of the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner.

Accordingly, we respectfully request that the appropriate state authorities:

Conduct an independent investigation and audit of the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner.
Review death investigations and autopsy determinations identified by affected families and other interested parties where concerns have been raised regarding the adequacy of the investigation.
Determine whether current policies and practices comply with Mississippi law, constitutional protections, and accepted forensic standards.
If the investigation finds misconduct, neglect of duty, abuse of authority, or other grounds for removal under applicable Mississippi law, take appropriate disciplinary action, including removal from office if legally warranted.
Implement reforms to ensure fair, impartial, transparent, and equitable death investigations for all individuals regardless of race or circumstance.
We further request that this matter be addressed without unnecessary delay in the interest of maintaining public confidence in Mississippi’s death investigation system.

This petition is submitted by citizens seeking accountability, transparency, equal justice, and public trust in the administration of forensic death investigations throughout the State of Mississippi.

Grounds for Requesting an Independent Investigation and Review

Petitioners respectfully assert that public confidence in the Mississippi Office of the Chief Medical Examiner has been significantly undermined by several high-profile cases that have generated widespread public concern, requests for independent review, and questions regarding death investigations.

These cases include, but are not limited to:

1. Damien Montrell Cameron (Braxton, Mississippi – 2021)

Mr. Cameron died following an encounter with Rankin County Sheriff’s deputies. His death was classified by the Mississippi Chief Medical Examiner as “undetermined.” Subsequently, nationally recognized forensic pathologists who independently reviewed the available evidence publicly stated that, in their professional opinion, the death should have been classified as a homicide, raising significant questions about the original determination. (Mississippi Today⁠)

2. Demartravion (“Trey”) Reed (Delta State University – 2025)

Mr. Reed, a freshman at Delta State University, was found deceased on campus. The Mississippi State Medical Examiner ruled the manner of death to be suicide. The ruling prompted concerns from the family, community members, and civil rights advocates, who requested additional review and an independent investigation into the circumstances surrounding his death. (Mississippi Today⁠)

3. Nolan Xavier Wells (Ocean Springs, Mississippi – 2026)

Mr. Wells disappeared following a boating trip near Horn Island and was later found deceased. An independent forensic pathologist retained by his family concluded that the cause and manner of death should remain undetermined pending further investigation and stated that non-accidental causes could not be ruled out. The case has prompted widespread calls for transparency and a thorough investigation. (AP News⁠)

Request for Relief

In light of these and any other cases that may reveal similar concerns, the undersigned respectfully request that the Governor, the Mississippi State Legislature, and all appropriate oversight authorities:

Conduct an immediate, independent review of the Mississippi Office of the Chief Medical Examiner and its investigative practices.
Audit cases in which families or independent forensic experts have challenged official determinations.
Evaluate whether current investigative policies are applied fairly, consistently, and without bias.
If the investigation establishes legal grounds for disciplinary action or removal, take appropriate action in accordance with Mississippi law, including removal of the Chief Medical Examiner if warranted by the evidence.
Implement reforms to ensure transparency, accountability, and equal treatment in all death investigations throughout the State of Mississippi.
We, the undersigned residents and registered voters of the State of Mississippi, respectfully submit this petition in the interest of justice, accountability, public confidence, and equal protection under the law.

Submitted to:

Office of the Governor of Mississippi
Mississippi State Legislature
Mississippi State Department of Health
Any other appropriate state oversight authority

Respectfully submitted,