Tellico Plains, TN — In a tragic unfolding of events that blurred the lines between victim and perpetrator, a Tennessee man was implicated in the murder of Steven Douglas Lloyd, whose dead body was discovered following a peculiar 911 call late in the evening of October 18. The caller, who falsely identified himself as Brandon Andrade, claimed he was an injured hiker in desperate need after a bear chase led to a severe fall off a cliff.
Authorities swiftly responded to the emergency call, tracing it to Charles Hall Bridge on the Cherohala Skyway. Upon arrival, they found Lloyd’s body, initially believed to be Andrade based on identification found with the corpse. However, further investigations revealed a grim reality – the identification was stolen, and the storyline provided to 911 was fabricated.
Nicholas Wayne Hamlett, 45, emerged as a suspect in this complex case. It was revealed that he took refuge in deception, adopting multiple aliases and crossing state lines, thereby complicating the law enforcement efforts to pin him down. His arrest occurred on November 10 in Columbia, SC, after being spotted at a local hospital. Hamlett faces charges of first-degree murder and a parole violation from a prior case in Alabama.
The Monroe County Sheriff’s Office relied on fingerprint analysis to confirm Hamlett’s identity, shedding light on his extensive criminal background and frequent use of false identities. Authorities believe that Hamlett befriended Lloyd, lured him into the secluded woods under pretenses, and then fatally attacked him, commandeering Lloyd’s identity post-murder.
The victim, Steven Douglas Lloyd, a 34-year-old from Knoxville, battled personal challenges from an early age. Raised as a foster child and later adopted, Lloyd was diagnosed with Reactive Attachment Disorder – a condition marked by significant difficulties in forming lasting attachments. According to Sheriff Tommy J. Jones II, despite his struggles, Lloyd was known for his love of nature and his generous spirit. He periodically lived on the streets, maintaining contact with his family, and trusted Hamlett enough to follow him into a fatal trap.
This tragic case exposed the vulnerabilities of individuals with mental health issues and the lengths some criminals will go to exploit them. It also illustrates the complexities faced by law enforcement as they untangle webs of deceit intertwined with stolen identities and cross-state criminal activities. The investigation continues as the community mourns a man described by Sheriff Jones as exceedingly kind and loving the outdoors.
Hamlett, with his criminal record spanning several states and involving serious offenses, remains in custody. With court closures for Veteran’s Day, it was unclear if he had the opportunity to enter a plea or if he had legal representation ready to address the heavy charges leveled against him.
This case not only leaves a community in sorrow but also poses stark reminders of the critical need for robust measures to protect and support the most vulnerable, especially those grappling with mental health challenges. As this investigation progresses, it will perhaps provide critical insights into preventing such tragedies in the future and ensuring that justice is served for Steven Douglas Lloyd.