Bart Edmiston Jr.’s Attorney Says a Social Media Personality Falsely Implicated Him in Wells Unresolved Death, Exposing His Family to Potential Danger
Bart Edmiston Jr., a friend and former football teammate of Nolan Wells, has threatened legal action against a social media personality his attorney accuses of falsely connecting him to the Mississippi teen’s death.
According to TMZ, Edmiston’s attorney, Russell Latino sent a five-page cease-and-desist letter Wednesday to online personality Kymbra Li, alleging she published false and defamatory statements about Edmiston on Facebook and Instagram.
The letter alleges Li portrayed Edmiston as a suspect, suggested he contributed to Wells’ death and accused him of participating in a cover-up. Law enforcement authorities have not publicly identified Edmiston as a suspect or person of interest in the ongoing investigation.
Letter Alleges Personal Information Was Published Online
In addition to challenging Li’s allegations, Latino accused her of publishing Edmiston’s residential address, photographs of his home, property records and information about his relatives’ workplaces.
The attorney said the posts exposed Edmiston and his family to harassment and possible physical danger. The cease-and-desist letter states that Edmiston received what his attorney described as a credible death threat that was reported to state and federal authorities.
The notice demands that Li make her Edmiston-related posts private while preserving them as possible evidence. It also directs her to stop sharing his personal information and publicly acknowledge that she had no factual basis for implicating him in Wells’ death.
Also Read: Independent Autopsy Finds Possible Injury To Back Of Nolan Wells’ Head
Li was given five business days to provide written confirmation that she had complied with the demands. Latino indicated that Edmiston could still file a defamation lawsuit regardless of her response.
“The time for Facebook rants is nearing an end. The time for a court is drawing nigh,” Latino told the Mississippi Free Press. “I like our chances.”
Li subsequently responded online and indicated she was not intimidated by the possibility of a lawsuit, according to TMZ. She said she had attorneys willing to represent her and suggested the legal dispute could increase attention on her platforms.
Family Says Edmiston Cooperated With Investigators
Edmiston’s family said he voluntarily cooperated with investigators without first hiring an attorney. According to the family, he participated in interviews, answered questions and provided investigators with access to his cellphone, boat, GPS device, photographs and videos from July 4.
The family also said Edmiston supplied authorities with a list of potential witnesses who could describe his actions near Horn Island that day.
Edmiston was reportedly among the people who helped a boat carrying members of Wells’ group after it began taking on water. His family maintains that he did not kill Wells, witness his death or conceal information from investigators.
“I love when little dogs think they are big dogs,” Latino told TMZ while discussing the legal notices. “I anticipate at least two more such notices going out by the end of the week.”
Nolan Wells’ Death Remains Under Investigation
Wells disappeared July 4 while visiting Horn Island with a group of friends. His body was discovered near the Mississippi barrier island July 6.
The cause and manner of his death remain undetermined, and the official investigative file has been sealed while authorities complete their work and prepare to present evidence to a Jackson County grand jury.
The cease-and-desist dispute highlights how social media speculation has increasingly drawn Wells’ friends and others close to the case into an online investigation running parallel to the official inquiry.
Edmiston’s family said unfounded accusations do not honor Wells or help uncover the truth.
“Spreading false information does not honor Nolan’s life or his family’s loss,” the family said. “It pulls us further away from the truth.”
