The Federal Bureau of Investigation is searching for Nicholas Wayne Hamlett. He is a murder suspect who attempted to hide his tracks by fabricating a story about a bear attack. To conceal the crime, Hamlett reported a fake bear attack under a false identity. A $5,000 reward is offered for information resulting in Hamlett’s capture.
Elaborate Deception Unravels
The FBI and U.S. Marshals Service have launched a nationwide manhunt for Nicholas Wayne Hamlett, a Tennessee man wanted in connection with a brutal murder. Hamlett’s elaborate scheme to evade justice began to unravel when he reported a fictitious bear attack using a stolen identity. Law enforcement quickly saw through the ruse, setting off a large-scale search for the dangerous fugitive.
Authorities discovered a gruesome scene that contradicted Hamlett’s fabricated story. A man’s body was discovered with injuries that did not fit the description of a bear attack or fall. The victim’s identification belonged to Brandon Andrade, an alias Hamlett was using. This discovery led investigators to recognize the true nature of the crime and identify Hamlett as the primary suspect.
FBI, US Marshal Service join nationwide manhunt for murder suspect accused of faking bear attack https://t.co/DcsqS32mnD
— Fox News (@FoxNews) October 31, 2024
A History of Violence
Hamlett’s criminal history paints a troubling picture of a man inclined toward violence and deception. He was arrested in Alabama in 2009 and charged with attempted murder and kidnapping. Despite being able to plead down to felony assault, Hamlett received a 20-year prison sentence in 2012. This history has put law enforcement on high alert, as they believe Hamlett to be armed and dangerous.
“There is a risk to the public, a great risk to the public. The offender, he does have a history. He did know this victim. He has known him for quite a few months now. But yes, there is a risk of the public. This was not isolated incident by any means.” – Tommy Jones
Authorities are asking the public to be vigilant and report any sightings of Hamlett. The suspect is described as having blue eyes, standing 5’7″ tall and weighing around 170 pounds. He is known to use several aliases and may still be using the name Brandon Andrade.
Nationwide Search Intensifies
The search for Hamlett has expanded beyond Tennessee’s state borders. Investigators suspect he may have connections in several states, including Alabama, Montana, Alaska, Kentucky, and Florida. This vast network of potential hideouts has prompted federal agencies to step up their search efforts.
“The long arm of the law has an enormous reach, and we will find you no matter where you hide. The deputies and investigators here now know their county well. The TBI agents know their state well. The FBI and the Marshall Service know the country well and have reach across the world. So there’s nowhere to hide.” – Joseph Carrico
To encourage public cooperation, the US Marshal Service has offered a $5,000 reward for information leading to Hamlett’s capture. This financial incentive emphasizes the importance of the manhunt and the authorities’ determination to bring Hamlett to justice.
