Full Breakdown
Lawsuit Targets NFL Hall of Famer Over Defamatory Accusations in Mississippi Teen’s Death
By Drooid · · How we work
The Defamation Claim
Three friends of Nolan Wells—Warren Hudson, Jax Pitalo and Morgan Seymour—have filed a federal defamation lawsuit against former NFL star Terrell Owens. The complaint alleges that Owens’ X post urging “ARREST THEM IMMEDIATELY!! LIKE YESTERDAY!!” and linking to an Instagram video falsely accused the three of murdering Wells and tampering with his phone. The plaintiffs, all under 21, are represented by attorneys Edward Paltzik and Tyler Cox.
Background of Nolan Wells’ Death
Nolan Wells, 18, was reported missing on July 4 after a boat trip to Horn Island, Mississippi. His body was recovered on July 6. A state grand jury declined to recommend criminal charges, finding the death “consistent with drowning.” Both the state medical examiner and private pathologist Dr. Roger Mitchell listed the cause and manner of death as undetermined; the state autopsy noted no water in the lungs, while the private autopsy observed bruising on the back of Wells’ skull but did not deem it fatal.
Timeline of Key Events
- July 4 – Wells disappears.
- July 6 – Body discovered.
- Late September – Owens shares the Instagram video and X post accusing the three friends.
- Early July – Owens pledges a $25,000 reward for information leading to an arrest.
- Mid-September – Grand jury issues its report, finding no basis for charges.
- Early October – Friends file the defamation lawsuit; additional suits are announced against Rev. Al Sharpton and “The View” co-host Sunny Hostin.
Legal and Financial Stakes
Owens’ X account has roughly 1.2 million followers, amplifying the impact of his statements. The lawsuit seeks compensatory and punitive damages, though specific amounts are not disclosed. Separate reward offers total $175,000: $25,000 from Owens and $150,000 from Sharpton’s National Action Network, producer Tyler Perry, and Dr. Ben Hudson (Warren Hudson’s father).
Official Statements & Responses
- Terrell Owens – In his X post, Owens called for the immediate arrest of the three friends and linked to a video that alleged they deleted information from Wells’ phone.
- Jackson County Sheriff John Ledbetter – Stated investigators initially found no reason to suspect foul play, though the investigation continued.
- Rev. Al Sharpton – Said he looks forward to seeing the lawsuits proceed and to engaging in the discovery process.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
- Cause of Death – The state autopsy found no water in Wells’ lungs, while the private autopsy did not rule out drowning and highlighted bruises without linking them to a fatal injury.
- Phone Evidence – Forensic expert Andrew Garrett confirmed that some Snapchat messages were deleted, but clarified that deletions were performed by other users, not by the three friends, and that no one accessed the phone after Wells’ last use. The extent and content of the deleted messages remain unspecified.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Not only is he defaming them, he’s basically saying to the mob, get your pitchforks, get your torches,” — Edward Paltzik, attorney for the three friends
What’s Next
The plaintiffs plan to pursue additional defamation actions against other content creators who have commented on the case. The lawsuit proceeds while the grand jury report remains open to new evidence, and Mississippi law imposes no statute of limitations on murder charges, leaving the investigation technically ongoing.