Tennessee Parolee Allegedly Fakes Bear Attack to Conceal Hiker's Murder, Now on the Run

In a shocking web of deceit and alleged crime, law enforcement agencies are on the hunt for a Tennessee man accused of staging a bear attack to cover up a murder.

On the night of October 24, a chilling 911 call was made from someone posing as a victim of a bear attack in Hamilton County, Tennessee. The caller, later identified as Nicholas Wayne Hamlett, fabricated a harrowing tale of being chased off a cliff by a bear while hiking. The call was made around 11:34 p.m., and authorities were led to an area near Tellico Plains, northeast of Chattanooga.

The Dark Discovery

Upon arrival at the location, law enforcement discovered a gruesome scene. A bloodied corpse was found, accompanied by the ID of a man named Brandon Andrade. However, an autopsy soon revealed that the deceased was not Andrade, leaving authorities at a loss for the identity of the deceased man. To compound the mystery, it was later uncovered that Hamlett had stolen Andrade's ID and used it multiple times, leading police to believe that this was part of a larger scheme to evade parole and perhaps to fabricate his own death, as reported by the New York Post.

The Manhunt

The ensuing investigation led to the realization that Hamlett had assumed multiple identities, including that of Andrade. When questioned by authorities about his 911 call, he used a fake name in a further attempt to deceive law enforcement. This prompted police to believe that he had abandoned his home in Tennessee and that he had connections in several states including Alabama, Montana, Alaska, Kentucky, and Florida.

A Criminal Past

This was not Hamlett’s first brush with the law. In 2009, he was arrested in Niceville, Florida, after luring a man into the woods in Alabama. He was charged with attempted murder and kidnapping in 2012, but pleaded to the lesser offense of felony assault and was sentenced to 20 years in prison. He had a history of four prior felony convictions, according to Alabama court records. His notorious past adds a chilling dimension to the ongoing manhunt, revealing a pattern of violent behavior.

Physical Description and Warnings

Authorities have issued a description of Nicholas Wayne Hamlett, stating that he stands at 5'7" tall and weighs around 170 pounds. He is said to use multiple aliases and may still be operating under the name of Brandon Andrade. Police have categorized him as 'armed and dangerous', urging the public to exercise caution and to report any sightings or information related to Hamlett to the police immediately.

Ongoing Investigation and Public Awareness

The search for Nicholas Wayne Hamlett has gained significant media attention, with many outlets reporting on the troubling case. However, in addition to the media coverage, local law enforcement agencies are actively working to spread awareness among the community regarding the ongoing manhunt. The sharing of information through various channels is crucial in garnering public assistance in locating the fugitive.

As the investigation unfolds, forensic experts are diligently working to produce a composite sketch of the unidentified deceased man in hopes of shedding light on this mysterious case. Identifying the victim is a paramount concern for authorities, as it could potentially unlock critical information related to the crime.

The Aftermath and the Search Continues

The human element in this story cannot be overstated. Beyond the legal proceedings and investigative efforts, there lies a profound sense of loss and tragedy connected to the unknown victim. As authorities strive to unravel the complexities of this case, the emotional toll on families and communities is a dimension that cannot be overlooked.

A Plea to the Public

As the manhunt for Nicholas Wayne Hamlett intensifies, the need for public vigilance and cooperation becomes increasingly vital. Law enforcement agencies are urging citizens to remain alert and to report any suspicious activity or information that may assist in apprehending the fugitive.