Nationwide Manhunt for Alleged Murderer Evading Capture in Tennessee

Police car with flashing red and blue lights.

A nationwide manhunt is underway for Nicholas Wayne Hamlett, a Tennessee man accused of murder and deception.

At a Glance

FBI and U.S. Marshals join forces to capture murder suspect Nicholas Wayne Hamlett
Hamlett allegedly faked a bear attack to cover up a murder in Tennessee
Suspect has a history of violence and is considered “armed and dangerous”
A $5,000 reward is offered for information leading to Hamlett’s capture
Authorities urge the public to be cautious and report any sightings

Nationwide Manhunt Launched

The FBI and U.S. Marshal Service have initiated a nationwide manhunt for Nicholas Wayne Hamlett, a Tennessee man wanted for first-degree murder. Hamlett is accused of orchestrating an elaborate deception to cover up a heinous crime, demonstrating a level of cunning that has authorities on high alert. The suspect allegedly contacted 911 using a false identity, claiming to be a victim of a bear attack in an attempt to obscure the truth behind a murder.

Upon investigating the reported bear attack, law enforcement officials discovered a grim scene that quickly unraveled Hamlett’s fabricated story. They found a bloodied corpse with injuries inconsistent with either a bear attack or a fall. The victim was carrying identification belonging to Brandon Andrade, an alias Hamlett had reportedly stolen and used multiple times. This discovery led authorities to realize that the true victim was not Andrade, and suspicion immediately fell on Hamlett.

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 Dangerous Fugitive with a Violent Past

Nicholas Wayne Hamlett is not just a murder suspect; he has a troubling history of violence that dates back years. In 2009, Hamlett was arrested in Alabama for attempted murder and kidnapping. Although he initially faced these serious charges, he ultimately pleaded down to felony assault and received a 20-year prison sentence in 2012. This prior conviction underscores the potential danger Hamlett poses to the public and the urgency of the current manhunt.

“Nick. Let’s end this peacefully. Turn yourself in. Have your day in court.” – Joseph Carrico

Authorities have emphasized the serious nature of the threat Hamlett represents. Tommy Jones, a law enforcement official involved in the case, stated, “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.” This stark warning highlights the importance of public vigilance and cooperation in bringing Hamlett to justice.

Extensive Search and Public Appeal

The search for Nicholas Wayne Hamlett spans multiple states, reflecting his known connections in Alabama, Montana, Alaska, Kentucky, and Florida. Law enforcement agencies are leveraging their combined resources and expertise to track down the fugitive. The U.S. Marshal Service has offered a $5,000 reward for information leading to Hamlett’s capture, hoping to incentivize public assistance in the manhunt.

“The long arm of the law has a long and huge 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

Hamlett is described as having blue eyes, standing 5’7″ tall, and weighing approximately 170 pounds. He is known to use multiple aliases, including Brandon Andrade, the identity he allegedly used in his attempt to mislead authorities. The public is urged to remain vigilant and report any sightings or information about Hamlett’s whereabouts to law enforcement immediately. However, due to his “armed and dangerous” status, individuals are strongly advised not to approach or confront the suspect directly.

As the manhunt continues, authorities remain committed to bringing Nicholas Wayne Hamlett to justice and ensuring public safety. The collaborative efforts of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies demonstrate the seriousness with which this case is being pursued. The capture of this dangerous fugitive remains a top priority for law enforcement across the nation.