Columbia, S.C. Man Arrested for Murder in Tennessee Identity Theft Case
Columbia, South Carolina – Authorities have arrested Nicholas Wayne Hamlett, a 45-year-old man, in connection with the murder of Steven Douglas Lloyd. Hamlett was taken into custody on Sunday, November 10, 2019, after being recognized at a hospital in Columbia. He faces charges of first-degree murder in Monroe County, Tennessee, as well as a parole violation in Alabama.
Incident Background
The incident that led to Hamlett’s arrest dates back to October 18, when Monroe County E-911 Center received a chilling 911 call. The caller, pretending to be someone named Brandon Kristopher Andrade, claimed to be injured and partially submerged in water after falling from a cliff while fleeing from a bear. Emergency responders rushed to the scene, tracing the call to the Charles Hall Bridge on the Cherahola Skyway in Tellico Plains, Tennessee.
When officers arrived, they discovered the body of a man later identified as Lloyd, aged 34. Investigators quickly determined the identification found on the body belonged to Andrade, but through their efforts, they uncovered that it had been stolen. As the investigation progressed, law enforcement clarified that neither the deceased nor the 911 caller was actually named Andrade.
Identity Theft and Investigation
According to Monroe County Sheriff Tommy J. Jones II, Hamlett had utilized a false name when communication with authorities and had lured Lloyd into the woods under the guise of friendship before ultimately taking his life. Hamlett is said to have used Lloyd’s identity for illegal purposes following the murder.
Following a thorough investigation, authorities issued a wanted poster for Hamlett, noting his previous charges in Alabama for attempted murder and parole violations. He was said to travel under various aliases, including Nic Hamlett, and had connections to multiple states, including Tennessee, Montana, Alaska, Kentucky, North Carolina, and Florida.
Lloyd’s Background
Steven Douglas Lloyd grew up in foster care and was subsequently adopted. As noted by Sheriff Jones, Lloyd struggled with Reactive Attachment Disorder, which can lead to trust issues and difficulties in forming stable relationships. Despite these challenges, Lloyd was described as someone who enjoyed the outdoors and was there for others. His periodic disappearances to live on the streets did not sever his connections with family.
Friends and family are left grappling with the loss of a person who had a hard life but was known for his helpful nature and love for the outdoors. Lloyd had developed a friendship with Hamlett, who later betrayed that trust in a shocking act of violence.
Next Steps in the Case
Hamlett’s identity was confirmed through fingerprint analysis. With Veteran’s Day holiday closures, it remains unclear if Hamlett has entered a plea or secured legal representation. Law enforcement agencies continue to emphasize the importance of protecting one’s identity and being vigilant against potential fraud.
This case underscores the troubling intersection of crime involving identity theft and violence, revealing the often hidden struggles faced by victims in similar situations. As the investigation moves forward, community members are urged to stay alert and support efforts to bring justice to those impacted by similar crimes.
