Nationwide manhunt underway for man authorities say has ties to Kentucky

TELLICO PLAINS, Tenn. (WKYT) – A nationwide manhunt is underway for a man who authorities say is wanted for a Tennessee murder.

The Monroe County Sheriff’s Office in Tennessee is asking for the public’s help in finding 45-year-old Nicholas Wayne Hamlett.

Officials told CBS News It has ties to Montana, Tennessee, Alabama, Alaska, Kentucky and Florida.

Deputies say a man called 911 on Oct. 18 claiming to be a distressed hiker named Brandon Andrade. He said he fell off a cliff while running away from the bear.

The call pinged to a bridge on the Cherahola Skyway in Tellico Plains. Search and rescue crews responded and located the body of a man personally identified as Andrade.

“Detectives with the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigation Division and the Monroe County Violent Crimes Unit investigated the scene and upon further investigation determined that the deceased was not Mr. Brandon Andrade and that the identity had been stolen and used multiple times. . Additionally, a male using Mr. Andrade’s stolen identity was identified as Mr. Nicholas Wayne Hamlett, who was wanted by the State of Alabama on a parole violation,” the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office said.

Detectives said Hamlett used a fake name and fled from a Tennessee address when speaking to Knox County law enforcement after searching for the hiker.

Police obtained an arrest warrant for Hamlett for first-degree murder. He is considered armed and dangerous. Anyone who sees him should call 911 and not approach him.

The body was taken to the Knox County Regional Forensic Center for identification.

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