Crime · Jackson County
Edmiston Family Threatens Defamation Suit Over Nolan Wells Audio Posts
Attorney Russell Latino, representing Bart Edmiston Jr. and his family, has sent a demand letter to Jeanetta Brantley alleging defamation over her enhanced audio interpretation of a Sea Tow distress call made during the July 4 return trip from Horn Island that preceded 18-year-old Nolan Wells' death. The Jackson County grand jury previously found no evidence of criminal wrongdoing in Wells' death, with cause and manner ruled undetermined. Latino alleges Brantley falsely attributed statements to Edmiston on the recording and endorsed claims he was involved in Wells' death, leading to death threats and federal arrests. Multiple defamation lawsuits have since been filed in state and federal court in the Southern District of Mississippi.