One of the friends who was with Nolan Wells before his death is accusing Wells’ mother of helping fuel the online backlash against him and two other friends.
Jax Pitalo made the comments during an interview with YouTuber Brandon Tatum on The Officer Tatum Show. Pitalo said Christine Wonsley’s social media posts contributed to the attention and scrutiny the friends have faced since Wells’ death.
Pitalo specifically pointed to posts in which Wonsley shared photos of Wells with Pitalo and Morgan Seymour and identified Warren Hudson, who sat alongside Pitalo during the interview.
“I wish that would’ve never happened,” he said, resenting the now-viral posts.
Hudson said he believes the situation would not have attracted as much attention if Wonsley had not publicly identified the friends. He also criticized the media coverage surrounding the case, saying it has been blown out of proportion.
“Going out, we’re always paranoid that someone’s gonna see us, try to beat us up,” he said. “We’re just trying to stay lowkey.”
Warren chimed in. “The threats have been insane,” he said, noting that his stepmom, dad, mom, brothers and sisters have received threats. “It’s unbelievable this has been taken to the level it’s at.”
Pitalo, Seymour and Hudson have denied involvement in Wells’ death. Their attorneys have said the friends have faced harassment, threats and false accusations, and are preparing potential defamation lawsuits against people they believe have spread misinformation.
In a story published Monday (August 10), BIN reported that the friends said they did not deserve the scrutiny they have faced and had launched a legal defense fund to help cover their expenses.
All three men were with Wells during the July 4 gathering on Horn Island, where he disappeared. Wells’ body was found in the water two days later near where he was last seen. His cause and manner of death have not been determined.
Pitalo also told Tatum that the friends regret going to Horn Island and believe Wells might still be alive if they had not gone. He described Wells as a “brother” and said the group continues to mourn his death.
Wonsley has not publicly responded to Pitalo's comments.
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