Man Accused of Murdering Hiker Found Dead

Man Accused of Murdering Hiker Found Dead

A murder case unfolds in Tennessee as authorities search for a suspect who allegedly killed a hiker and made a 911 call.

At a Glance

  • Nicholas Wayne Hamlett, 45, is wanted for first-degree murder in Tennessee.
  • A 911 call about a bear attack led to the discovery of a body with stolen ID.
  • Hamlett allegedly used the victim’s identity and made the 911 call.
  • The suspect has connections in multiple states and is considered armed and dangerous.
  • Authorities are collaborating with the FBI to locate Hamlett and identify the victim.

A Chilling Discovery in the Tennessee Mountains

On October 18, 2024, a distress call to 911 set in motion a series of events that would reveal a shocking crime in Monroe County, Tennessee. The caller, claiming to be a hiker named Brandon Andrade, reported being injured after falling off a cliff while fleeing from a bear. This seemingly routine rescue operation quickly turned into a complex murder investigation, leading authorities on a manhunt for 45-year-old Nicholas Wayne Hamlett.

The search for the distressed hiker led authorities to the Charles Hall bridge area on the Cherohala Skyway in Tellico Plains. There, they made a grim discovery: a man’s body with identification for “Brandon Kristopher Andrade.” However, as investigators delved deeper, they uncovered a web of deception that pointed to a murder rather than a tragic hiking accident.

Unraveling the Deception

As the investigation progressed, it was revealed that the 911 call and the identity found on the body were part of an elaborate ruse. The ID discovered on the victim was determined to be stolen, and authorities soon linked the deception to Nicholas Wayne Hamlett. Hamlett, already wanted in Alabama for a parole violation, had allegedly been using the stolen identity of Brandon Andrade.

The Monroe County Sheriff’s Office, in collaboration with the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation and the FBI, is now working to locate Hamlett and identify the body found at the scene. The suspect’s extensive connections across multiple states have complicated the search, with authorities warning that Hamlett should be considered armed and dangerous.

A History of Deception and Violence

This is not the first time Hamlett has been involved in criminal activities involving false identities. In a recent encounter with law enforcement in Knox County, he allegedly used a false name and managed to flee before his true identity was confirmed. More disturbingly, investigators have revealed a violent past.

This pattern of alleged behavior has raised concerns about the potential danger Hamlett poses to the public. Authorities have issued a first-degree murder warrant for his arrest and are urging citizens to be cautious and vigilant. The public is advised not to approach Hamlett if spotted but to immediately contact 911 or the Monroe County Dispatch.

Ongoing Investigation and Public Appeal

As the search for Nicholas Wayne Hamlett intensifies, many questions remain unanswered. The Monroe County Sheriff’s Office has not yet identified the deceased individual or disclosed the cause of death, adding to the mystery surrounding this case. Hamlett is described as 5-feet 7-inches tall, weighing around 170 pounds, with brown hair and blue eyes.

Law enforcement agencies are calling on the public to assist in their efforts to locate Hamlett. Anyone with information related to the case is encouraged to contact the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office. As this complex investigation unfolds, authorities remain committed to bringing the perpetrator to justice and providing closure to the victim’s family.

Sources

  1. 911 Caller Said He’d Fallen Off Cliff While Running From a Bear. Why Is He Now Wanted on Murder Charge?
  2. Search underway in East TN for murder suspect after man told 911 bear chased him off a cliff
  3. Tennessee Cops Looking for Man They Say Killed Hiker, Planted Fake ID, and Called 911 With False Bear Chase Story
  4. Man says he was hurt running from bear, now he’s suspected of murder, TN deputies say