Tennessee Manhunt Launched After Murder Suspect Claims He Fell Off Cliff While Fleeing From a Bear, Leading Police to Gruesome Discovery
( Image: Monroe County Sheriff’s Office)
Authorities in Tennessee are actively searching for a suspect who, after making a distress call to 911 about being chased by a bear, led police to discover a dead body, prompting a manhunt for the caller. The incident, which has sparked widespread attention, occurred on October 18, near Tellico Plains.
According to a news release from the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office, the caller, who identified himself as Brandon Andrade, claimed he had fallen off a cliff while fleeing from a bear. First responders were dispatched to the scene based on this report. Upon arrival, however, they discovered a dead body with identification matching Andrade’s name.
But as the investigation unfolded, authorities determined that the deceased individual was not Andrade. The sheriff’s office revealed that the identification found on the victim had been “stolen and used on multiple occasions.”
The victim’s identity remains unknown, and authorities are working on a rendering of the individual, which they plan to release to the public to assist in identification. Investigators are urging anyone with information about the victim’s identity to come forward.
The investigation soon revealed that 45-year-old Nicholas Wayne Hamlett of Alabama had been using Andrade’s stolen identification. Hamlett also has an outstanding warrant in Alabama for a parole violation, according to the sheriff’s office. Authorities have now issued an arrest warrant for Hamlett on charges of first-degree murder and warn that he is considered “armed and dangerous.”
The Monroe County Sheriff’s Office is advising residents to remain vigilant and report any sightings of Hamlett immediately. They are asking anyone with information about Hamlett’s whereabouts to contact them at 423-442-4357. The FBI and the Tennessee Department of Investigation are collaborating with local authorities to both track down the suspect and identify the victim.
Hamlett is described as being 5’7” tall, weighing around 170 pounds, with brown hair and blue eyes. Authorities are urging the public to exercise caution if they encounter him and to contact law enforcement right away.
Tellico Plains, where the body was found, is a small town with a population of just 1,000 people, located about 80 miles northeast of Chattanooga. The quiet community has been shaken by the discovery and the ongoing search for the suspect. Authorities are continuing their efforts to ensure public safety while unraveling the details behind this mysterious and tragic incident.
