Man Blames Bear for Fall; Later Arrested for Homicide

In a bizarre turn of events, Nicholas Hamlett became the focus of a widespread manhunt after authorities suspected him of murder, despite his initial claim of a bear chasing him off a ridge.

The Incident and Its Aftermath

Mid-October, a puzzling 911 call from Tennessee reported a bear-induced fall, but investigators arriving at the scene found a man dead, triggering an extensive search across states for both Nicholas Hamlett and answers.

Hamlett, under an alias, supposedly befriended the victim to commit identity theft, which tragically culminated in murder. With a history of crimes, including being a wanted fugitive in Alabama for past offenses, Hamlett eluded law enforcement until recent capture.

Investigation Uncovers Deception

Detectives unearthed that the deceased, initially thought to be 'Brandon Andrade,' was actually using stolen identification. Further retrieval of fingerprint evidence led to Hamlett's identification as the caller.

Notably, his criminal tactics became apparent—befriending, then choosing secluded locations for planned deceit and violence was a pattern.

A Manhunt Concludes Peacefully

Monroe County officers, with federal collaboration, cautioned the public against approaching Hamlett and sought assistance—eventually putting a $5000 bounty for insights leading to his apprehension.

Unfolding like a thriller, Hamlett was sighted at a hospital where vigilant staff verified his identity. Alerts through shared wanted posters proved instrumental in accelerating his unexpected capture.

Unraveling the Tragedy

Authorities disclosed the victim as Steven Lloyd, a trustworthy yet vulnerable individual due to mental health struggles and ongoing family relationships. His outdoor enthusiasm tragically intertwined with Hamlett’s sinister ploy.

An emotional case handled delicately, the investigation clarified the murder weapon was blunt force, refuting Hamlett's bear and cliff claims as mere fabrications.

History of Crime

Hamlett's violent past included a 2009 incident involving threats of murder in Alabama, going by another alias—exposing a pattern of identity manipulation and serious infractions.

Despite previous convictions, he was unaccountably free, his criminal tendencies enduringly placing others at risk until recent events.

Pursuit and Arrest

Hamlett cunningly moved across multiple states, his eventual capture coming post-Halloween. The decisive tip came from alert personnel noting his suspicious presence due to publicized wanted notices.

This resolution underscores collaborative law enforcement’s crucial role in ensuring a startling episode finds closure with the suspect now poised for trial in Tennessee.