The nationwide search for a Tennessee man has intensified with the FBI and U.S. Marshal Service joining the effort. Nicholas Wayne Hamlett is accused of falsely reporting a bear attack to disguise a murder. On the night of October 24, Hamlett, masquerading as Brandon Andrade, contacted 911 claiming he was hurt and stranded in water after a bear chased him off a cliff in Hamilton County, according to the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office.
Authorities tracked the call to an area near Tellico Plains, northeast of Chattanooga. There, they discovered a bloodied body carrying Andrade’s ID. Further investigation revealed that Andrade’s identity had been stolen by Hamlett, who had used it multiple times. It is believed Hamlett took the ID to dodge parole and then faked his death for reasons still unknown.
During a press briefing on Wednesday, officials stated that the victim’s injuries did not match those from a bear attack or cliff fall, leading them to conclude the deceased was not Andrade. Hamlett is now considered “armed and dangerous,” and authorities are urging the public to provide any information on his whereabouts while encouraging Hamlett to surrender.
Dispatchers in Tennessee got a call from a hiker who said he had fallen off a cliff while running from a bear. Investigators now say the call was actually from a murder suspect who used a stolen identity.https://t.co/pANy5i2aQW
— News 5 WCYB (@news5wcyb) October 28, 2024
“Nick. Let’s end this peacefully. Turn yourself in. Have your day in court,” stated Joseph Carrico, the FBI special agent in charge for Tennessee. He emphasised the extensive reach of law enforcement, stating, “There’s nowhere to hide.”
The identity of the deceased remains undisclosed. Sheriff Tommy Jones of Monroe County mentioned that Hamlett and the victim had known each other for several months before the incident. Hamlett, 45, gave a false identity when questioned about the 911 call. Authorities believe he has left his Tennessee residence and has ties in Alabama, Montana, Alaska, Kentucky, and Florida.
Sheriff Jones warned of the risk Hamlett poses to the public, noting his history and the non-isolated nature of the incident. The U.S. Marshal Service has announced a $5,000 reward for information leading to Hamlett’s capture. Citizens are advised to call 911 or Monroe County Dispatch at 423-442-4357 if they see him and to avoid direct contact.
Hamlett’s criminal history includes a 2009 arrest in Niceville, Florida, where he lured a man into Alabama woods, held him at gunpoint, and attempted to attack him with a baseball bat before planning to bury him. He had used the alias Joshua Jones during this encounter, as revealed by court documents. Charged with attempted murder and kidnapping in 2012, he later pleaded guilty to felony assault and received a 20-year sentence. Alabama court records show four prior felony convictions.
Wanted for first-degree murder in the recent case, Hamlett is described as having blue eyes, standing 5’7″ tall, and weighing 170 pounds. He is known to use multiple aliases and might still be using Brandon Andrade’s identity.
What Other Media Are Saying
- NBC News reports a staged 911 call about a hiker chased by a bear, leading to a body discovery, with the caller now wanted for first-degree murder in Tennessee.(read more)
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions asked about this news
Who is Nicholas Wayne Hamlett?
Nicholas Wayne Hamlett is a fugitive accused of murder and falsely reporting a bear attack.
What did Hamlett do to disguise the murder?
Hamlett falsely reported a bear attack to disguise the murder.
Why are the FBI and U.S. Marshal Service involved?
They are involved to aid in the nationwide search for Hamlett.
What should I do if I see Hamlett?
Call 911 or Monroe County Dispatch at 423-442-4357 and avoid direct contact.
What is known about Hamlett’s criminal history?
Hamlett has prior felony convictions, including a 2009 attempted murder case in Florida.
