Video: West Point Man Found Dead Had Preexisting Condition

PRESS RELEASE

West Point, MS, Tuesday, July 11, 2017: Investigators with the West Point Police Department are continuing to investigate the death of David Ryals on July 9, 2017.

An autopsy was performed early this morning at the State Medical Examiner’s Office in Jackson. A preliminary report has revealed that Mr. David Ryals preexisting medical conditions was determined to be a contributing factor in his death. It was further noted that the autopsy procedure did not reveal any signs of blunt force trauma or other factors that would have caused his death.

25 year old Nicholas Phyfer of 288 East Street, West Point and 22 year old Kaylee Rhea of 9377 Baker Road, Prairie is currently under investigation in connection with the death of Mr. Ryals. Although initially held in the Clay County Jail on pending murder charges, they were not officially charged pending the report from the State Medical Examiner.

Ms. Rhea was released yesterday after investigators started piecing together what actually occurred at the scene. Mr. Phyfer is being held at the detention center on an unrelated charge. According to West Point Police Chief Tim Brinkley, “We knew there were many extenuating circumstances but now that we’ve heard from the Medical Examiner’s Office, we lack sufficient evidence that their actions caused the death of Mr. Ryals”.

This crime is still under investigation and anyone with information is asked to call Golden Triangle Crime Stoppers or the West Point Police Department at 494-1244.