Authorities in South Carolina have captured a fugitive accused of murder in Tennessee after a bizarre attempt to pass off the victim’s body as someone else’s by claiming he had fallen off a cliff while being chased by a bear. Nicholas Wayne Hamlett, 45, was recognized by an employee at a hospital in Columbia, South Carolina, and confirmed through fingerprint scanning. He is now in the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service awaiting extradition back to Tennessee.
The manhunt for Hamlett began last month when he called 911 using a stolen ID claiming to be Brandon Andrade, reporting a bear chase and a fall off a cliff. Responders found a body with Andrade’s ID near the reported location but later discovered that the victim was actually 34-year-old Steven Douglas Lloyd of Knoxville. Forensic evidence indicated that Lloyd had been lured into the woods and killed by Hamlett.
Sheriff Tommy Jones expressed shock and sadness at the tragic loss of Steven Douglas Lloyd, describing him as a kind and outdoor-loving individual. Lloyd’s family was devastated to learn of his untimely death at the hands of someone he had trusted.
Hamlett’s attempt to evade capture by using a false identity and concocting a story about a bear chase ultimately led to his downfall. The diligent work of law enforcement officers and the cooperation of a vigilant citizen in South Carolina brought the manhunt to a peaceful end.
The disturbing case highlights the importance of verifying identities and being cautious when interacting with strangers. The fact that Hamlett was able to deceive authorities by using a stolen ID underscores the need for enhanced security measures to prevent such incidents in the future.
As the investigation into this tragic incident continues, authorities urge the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to law enforcement. The capture of Nicholas Wayne Hamlett serves as a reminder that justice will prevail, even in the face of deception and violence.
The tragic loss of Steven Douglas Lloyd has left a community in mourning, but his memory will live on as a reminder of the importance of trust and caution in our interactions with others. As the legal proceedings against Hamlett unfold, the hope is that justice will be served and closure will be brought to the family and loved ones of the victim.
