Nicholas Wayne Hamlett Arrested; – The Federal Bureau of Investigation is collaborating with the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office and state officials in the search for Nicholas Wayne Hamlett, aged 45. Hamlett faces charges of first-degree murder following the discovery of a man’s body, which was reported after a 911 call earlier this month. The caller claimed to have fallen from a cliff while being pursued by a bear.
A representative from the FBI informed 6 News on Tuesday that the agency is “providing investigative and technical assistance” to local and state law enforcement in this ongoing search, although specific details regarding the nature of this assistance cannot be disclosed at this time.
On Friday, the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office issued a warning that Hamlett should be regarded as armed and dangerous. He is described as 5 feet 7 inches tall, weighing approximately 170 pounds, with brown hair and blue eyes. Anyone who encounters Hamlett is strongly advised to contact 911 or Monroe County Dispatch at 423-442-4357 immediately and to avoid approaching him.
When the sheriff’s office initially announced the search for Hamlett, they detailed that on Friday, October 18, the Monroe County E-911 received a call from a distressed individual identifying himself as “Brandon Andrade.” During the search for this injured hiker, authorities discovered a deceased man’s body bearing that name; however, it was later revealed that the identification had been stolen and misused on several occasions.
According to the sheriff’s office, Hamlett utilized this false identity when interacting with law enforcement in Knox County after the initial 911 call. However, before his true identity could be confirmed, he is believed to have escaped.
The sheriff’s office is collaborating with various agencies, including the Monroe County Violent Crime Task Force, the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation, the Knox County Sheriff’s Office, the Knoxville Police Department, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, to identify the victim and locate Hamlett. The victim’s remains have been sent to the Knox County Regional Forensic Center for examination. Previously, the sheriff’s office indicated that the investigation is ongoing.
