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COLUMBIA, S.C. (BFMG) — A manhunt for a Tennessee murder suspect reportedly seen in Chapin has ended with his capture in Columbia, police confirmed over the weekend.
Columbia police said Sunday that a hospital employee recognized the suspect, Nicholas Wayne Hamlett, and alerted authorities. A responding officer also identified Hamlett, and a fingerprint scan confirmed his identity. Arrangements are being made to extradite him to Tennessee, where he faces murder charges.
Hamlett, 29, was wanted in connection with the killing of Steven Douglas Lloyd, 34, in Monroe County, Tennessee. Authorities allege that on Oct. 18, Hamlett made a 911 call pretending to be an injured hiker fleeing a bear. He provided the false name “Brandon Andrade” during the call.
When emergency crews arrived at the scene near the Charles Hall Bridge on the Cherohala Skyway, they found a body with identification suggesting it was Andrade. However, forensic examination later identified the deceased as Lloyd. Investigators believe Hamlett befriended Lloyd, gained his trust, and ultimately killed him to steal his identity.
Staged Bear Attack
According to the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office, Hamlett allegedly lured Lloyd into a wooded area, murdered him, and staged the scene to look like an accident. Authorities suspect Hamlett used Lloyd’s stolen identity and fled Tennessee before he could be apprehended.
During the investigation, Lloyd’s family described him as a foster child who had been diagnosed with reactive attachment disorder, a condition that can affect the ability to form stable relationships. Despite his struggles, Lloyd maintained contact with his family and was known for his love of the outdoors.
“Steven was so helpful and loved the outdoors,” the sheriff’s office said. “His family is devastated that someone he trusted took his life.”
Search Expands to South Carolina
The search for Hamlett expanded to South Carolina after reports of sightings in the Chapin area. On Thursday night, the U.S. Marshals Service told WLTX that Hamlett was spotted in the region. Authorities conducted an extensive search using helicopters and K-9 units but were initially unable to apprehend him.
By Friday, Chapin police announced that U.S. Marshals had shifted their search efforts to other areas. On Sunday, Hamlett was taken into custody by the U.S. Marshals Service’s Carolinas Regional Fugitive Task Force.
Hamlett is believed to have connections in several states, including Tennessee, Montana, Alabama, Alaska, Kentucky, North Carolina, and Florida. He is known to use multiple aliases and was previously wanted for a parole violation out of Alabama.
Ongoing Investigation
The Monroe County Sheriff’s Office continues to seek information about Hamlett’s activities leading up to Lloyd’s death. The investigation is being supported by the FBI and local law enforcement agencies.
“We urge the public to continue sharing Hamlett’s wanted poster to help bring him to justice,” the sheriff’s office said. “Our thoughts are with Steven Lloyd’s family during this difficult time.”
Authorities are asking anyone with information to contact the U.S. Marshals Service or their local law enforcement agency.
