Man Arrested for Murder Initially Blamed on Bear

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Man Arrested for Murder in Fake Bear Attack Case

A manhunt for Nicholas Hamlett, 45, has ended with his arrest in South Carolina. He is accused of murder in a case that began with a 911 call claiming a bear attack in the Tennessee mountains.

Authorities found a body that was initially identified as Brandon Andrade, but it was later revealed that the identity had been stolen. The body was that of Steven Lloyd, 34.

An investigation determined that Hamlett had been using Andrade’s stolen identification and was wanted for a parole violation in Alabama. He was charged with first-degree murder after authorities ruled out the death as being caused by a bear attack or a fall.

Hamlett was arrested in South Carolina after being recognized by a hospital employee. Fingerprints confirmed his identity, and he is currently in custody pending extradition to Tennessee. It is unknown if he has an attorney.


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