In a case that has shocked both the public and law enforcement, a murder suspect in Tennessee tried to fabricate an accident by saying a bear chased him off a cliff. To avoid detection, the suspect, Nicholas Wayne Hamlett, 45, employed a complex scheme, deceit, and a stolen identity. But the truth was eventually discovered by investigators, and he was arrested on first-degree murder charges.
The Mysterious 911 Call
Polk County relayed a call to Monroe County’s E-911 dispatch center on October 18, 2024, at around 11:34 a.m. Identifying himself as “Brandon Andre,” the man caller said he had fallen down a cliff while escaping a bear. He begged for rescue personnel to locate him immediately after reporting that he was hurt and partially immersed in water.
The call took place on the scenic Cherohala Skyway in Tellico Plains, Tennessee, at the Charles Hall Bridge area. Because of the urgency of the call and the suspected threat of a wild animal attack, multiple search and rescue teams were dispatched to the location. However, they discovered something far deeper than an injured hiker.
The Discovery of the Body
The body of a deceased male was found close to the search site, which was a startling discovery made by first responders as they searched the area. According to an ID card that was discovered in his possession, the individual was first named as “Brandon Kristopher Andrade.” But after more research, police found that the ID was stolen and had been used by the actual culprit, Nicholas Hamlett, several times.
Subsequently, the dead was positively identified as Steven Douglas Lloyd, a Knoxville, Tennessee resident, aged 34. Now, investigators had to decide if Lloyd was the first person to phone 911 or if someone else had been impersonating him. The latter seemed to be the sobering truth as the data accumulated.
Unraveling the Deception
The 911 caller, who identified himself as “Brandon Andre,” was quickly identified by detectives as Hamlett. A complicated attempt to hide a murder included the creation of a tragic accident. According to the authorities, Hamlett killed Lloyd after luring him into the isolated countryside and then tried to claim that his death was a natural occurrence.
Further complicating the case, Hamlett was already wanted in Alabama for parole violations tied to previous charges, which included attempted murder and kidnapping. He had a history of using aliases and was known to evade law enforcement officers. Staging Lloyd’s death, assuming his identity and, thus, evading the legal accountability of his past crimes was probably his hope.
Forensic Evidence and the Investigation
The forensic evidence compiled by the crime scene analysts also denied Hamlett’s allegations. According to the autopsy reports, Lloyd did not die from an accident but probably because of his death injuries found on his body. The state believed that this case involved homicide. The Monroe County Sheriff’s Office worked closely with the TBI to authenticate the fact that Lloyd was actually killed before he called 911 in a hoax call.
In order to link Lloyd to Hamlett in the days preceding the crime, the police tracked down his last known connections. The two individuals appeared to have been spotted together based on witness reports and surveillance camera footage. The case against Hamlett is strong since phone records show that he was in the area when Lloyd passed away.
The Multi-State Manhunt
Authorities issued a worldwide alert after realizing that Hamlett had escaped the site. Even the possibility that this guy may change who he was turned out to be incredibly elusive. State-wide police officers were placed on high alert.
After days of searching by authorities, the tip came after a crucial information from a hospital worker in Columbia, South Carolina. The employee recognized Hamlett’s face in the posted wanted poster and immediately informed the law enforcement. U.S. Marshals together with local police apprehended Hamlett without resisting. A fingerprint scan verified that it was him, and that settled the issue once and for all.
Legal Proceedings and Charges
Hamlett is now charged with multiple counts, which include first-degree murder, identity theft, and knowingly giving false information to officers. In Tennessee, prosecutors are demanding the maximum punishment, stating that it was a premeditated murder. He will also be charged in Alabama for previous offenses.
At his arraignment, Hamlett was impassive as prosecutors outlined their case against him. He was denied bail because of the seriousness of the charges and his history as a fugitive. Although his defense team has not yet disclosed their legal plan, analysts believe he will face a difficult fight because of the overwhelming evidence against him.
Community Reactions and the Broader Implications
The case has shaken Tennessee, particularly in Monroe County and Knoxville’s close-knit communities. The killing of Steven Lloyd left most residents devastated and outraged, while his family, in an open call, demands justice: a kind person like him was never supposed to be killed under such tragic circumstances.
Besides the immediate case, the incident has raised broader issues of identity theft, fugitive evasion tactics, and the difficulties of law enforcement investigations. Authorities have emphasized awareness and caution in this regard, asking the public to report any suspicious activity that could assist stop such crimes in the future.
The Road Ahead
During the course of the trial, more evidence will come forth to establish Hamlett’s involvement in the premeditated murder of Lloyd. The case is highly likely to attract widespread attention because of the significant legal issues surrounding identity fraud and criminal deception.
Well, for now, the Tennessee community can breathe some relief knowing an alleged murderer was caught. On the other hand, the tragic details of this case remind the world that, when taken to the extreme, deception can become a deadly issue.
The coming weeks will mark the setting of the trial date, and for law enforcement and the legal system, justice is still the best medicine for Steven Lloyd.
