A legal defense fund for the three friends who were with Nolan Wells before his death has raised nearly $190,000 as the investigation into the Mississippi teen’s death continues.
The fundraiser had collected $189,008 toward its $250,000 goal as of Thursday (August 27). The campaign benefits Warren Hudson, Jax Pitalo and Morgan Seymour and was created by Hudson’s father, Dr. Benjamin Hudson.
BIN previously reported on the fundraiser after it surpassed $100,000 earlier this month. The campaign says the money will help the three friends cover legal expenses amid allegations of harassment and defamation.
The fundraiser comes as tensions between Wells’ family and his friends have escalated.
During an August 19 virtual vigil — commemorating what would have been Wells’ 19th birthday — Rev. Al Sharpton acknowledged that one of the young men who was with Wells on Horn Island was on the call and urged him to “step forward.” Days later, attorneys for Hudson, Pitalo and Seymour threatened to sue Sharpton for defamation in a letter, according to Mississippi Free Press.
The attorneys accused Sharpton of implying the three committed serious crimes, including murder, hindering prosecution and tampering with physical evidence. They cited comments Sharpton made during a July 14 TMZ interview and the August 19 vigil, including his questions about Wells’ cellphone and keys and why the friends had not come forward with more information.
The attorneys demanded that Sharpton retract and apologize for the statements. Sharpton has said he “welcomes” the lawsuit, Mississippi Free Press reported.
Wells, 18, disappeared July 4 after traveling to Horn Island, Mississippi, with the three friends. His body was found near the island two days later.
Authorities have not announced any criminal charges in connection with Wells’ death. A preliminary independent autopsy commissioned by Wells’ family determined his cause and manner of death were undetermined pending further investigation.
The Mississippi State Medical Examiner’s Office has since completed its official autopsy, but the findings have not been publicly released as the case awaits grand-jury review.
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