What's happened
Nicholas Wayne Hamlett, 45, is wanted for first-degree murder in Tennessee after using a stolen identity to report a false bear attack. Authorities found a deceased man near Tellico Plains, whose identity remains unknown. Hamlett is considered armed and dangerous, prompting a multi-agency manhunt.
Why it matters
What the papers say
According to the New York Times, Nicholas Wayne Hamlett, who has a criminal history including assault and theft, is now wanted for first-degree murder after using a stolen identity to report a false bear attack. The Independent elaborates that Hamlett's call to 911 led to the discovery of a body, but the identity of the deceased remains unknown. The investigation is ongoing, with authorities collaborating with the FBI and other agencies to locate Hamlett and identify the victim. This case reflects broader issues of identity theft and public safety, as highlighted by both sources.
How we got here
On October 18, 2024, Nicholas Wayne Hamlett called 911, pretending to be a hiker named Brandon Andrade. Emergency responders discovered a body with Andrade's ID, which was later confirmed to be stolen. Hamlett has a lengthy criminal history and is now a murder suspect.
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