Friend of Nolan Wells Speaks Out Through Attorney as Online Rumors Escalate

As the investigation into Nolan Wells’ death continues, a close friend of his is now taking legal action in response to a surge of online speculation and misinformation.

Bart Edmiston Jr., who has recently become the subject of intense scrutiny on social media, is being represented by attorney Russell Latino. According to Latino, false claims circulating online have not only misidentified individuals in viral images but have also unfairly linked Bart to the circumstances surrounding Wells’ death.

At the center of the controversy is an old high school photograph that has been widely shared across social media platforms. Some users have claimed the image shows Bart alongside a woman named Katie McCormick, attempting to connect all three individuals through alleged romantic relationships. However, Latino firmly rejected that narrative.

He clarified that while the photo does indeed show Bart with a young woman, that individual is not Katie McCormick. Furthermore, he emphasized that Bart has never dated Katie and was not even aware of her identity prior to Nolan Wells’ death.

Latino also strongly denied any allegations suggesting Bart was involved in or responsible for Wells’ death. He stated that Bart has fully cooperated with authorities from the beginning of the investigation, providing access to key pieces of evidence including his boat, GPS data, and mobile phone records.

In fact, according to his attorney, Bart was involved in assisting a boat in distress — an action that underscores his cooperation and willingness to help during the incident.

Due to the growing spread of what his legal team describes as “wholly fabricated” claims, Bart is now preparing to pursue legal action against individuals responsible for disseminating false information.

The situation has escalated further with serious safety concerns. Latino revealed that Bart received a “credible death threat” as a direct result of the online speculation. In response, the matter has been reported to federal authorities, including the FBI, as well as state and local law enforcement agencies.

This development highlights the real-world consequences of viral misinformation, particularly in high-profile and emotionally charged cases. As the investigation into Nolan Wells’ death remains ongoing, officials continue to urge the public to rely on verified information and avoid spreading unconfirmed claims.

The case remains unresolved, and authorities are expected to continue their efforts to determine the truth while addressing the growing impact of online speculation surrounding those connected to the incident.

Sources: https://www.tmz.com/2026/07/29/nolan-wells-friend-bart-edmiston-retains-lawyer/