Search continues for Nicholas Wayne Hamlett, who is actively wanted for murder.The last confirmed sighting was in Chapin, South Carolina, on Thursday night. He is believed to be armed and dangerous, authorities say. >>For more on what Hamlett is accused of, click here. You can find updates below and we will continue to add them as we get them. UPDATE Saturday morning:8:23 a.m. Newberry County Sheriff’s Office stated the following: “There has been a lot of rumors spread about the search for the murder suspect incident in nearby Chapin. Last night an unverifiable report was issued about the suspect being seen near St. Peter’s Lutheran Church close the Newberry County line. The suspect was allegedly in an older SUV. Deputies from both counties responded but found nothing verifiable. Please see the truth from the Chapin Police Department. Chapin has done a great job trying to keep people informed.”12:30 a.m. “The suspect in this case has NOT been apprehended. Given that we are approaching 24 hours since his last confirmed sighting in the Chapin area, it is possible he is no longer in this area. We do not have an update to provide from the U.S. Marshalls on his current whereabouts. We continue to receive calls related to this cases, and we will follow up with these tips or pass them along to the appropriate authorities. Remain vigilant, and call 911 for anything suspicious. Unless confirmed information is received that can be shared with the public, this will be the last update until tomorrow morning. Y’all stay safe out there.”UPDATE Friday evening:7:15 p.m. “The suspect in this case has NOT been apprehended. There is no definitive information that has been developed as to whether he is still in the Chapin area or not.””Our units will continue to patrol throughout the night along with the US Marshalls and other law enforcement partners.” “We know everyone is frustrated and on edge now that we are past 24 hours in this manhunt. We will update you all once we have actionable information to put out to the public. Thank you for your patience and understanding throughout this time. If you see something, say something, by calling 911 or contacting the US Marshalls at 1-877-WANTED2 or 1-877-926-8332. Stay safe and stay vigilant.”UPDATE Friday afternoon:3 p.m. “The suspect in this case has NOT been apprehended and the search continues. Multiple tips and calls of individuals matching the suspects description have been received and vetted.” “The potential suspects called in have been located and identified and confirmed to NOT be the suspect. These tips prompted law enforcement to again perimeter off the area, and redeploy the SLED Helicopter and K-9’s.” “There is currently no actionable details that the suspect is still in the area, or information that he has left the area. With that being the case we will still treat this as if he is still here and continue to patrol the area with our LE partners. Please continue to call in any tips or suspicious activity you may see by calling 911 or contacting the US Marshalls at 1-877-WANTED2 1-877-926-8332. Stay safe out there.”12 p.m. “The Chapin Police Department has been assisting the United States Marshall Service in the Chapin Area as they attempt to apprehend a suspect wanted for murder. Nicholas Wayne Hamlett is wanted for Murder out of Tennessee. He is believed to have family in the Chapin area. On Oct. 31, multiple law enforcement resources were dispatched to the Town of Chapin including, Federal, State, County and Local Law Enforcement Officers. This also included the deployment of a South Carolina Law Enforcement Division helicopter and several K-9’s. The suspect was not located at that time near Chapin High School and Generations of Chapin near 431 East Boundary Street. Given this information a perimeter was established and SLED helicopter and K-9‘s were again deployed to the area. The suspect was not located at that time and the search continued into the morning. There is still a heavy law enforcement presence in the Town of Chapin, and this presence will remain in place until the suspect is apprehended. The USMS is the lead agency on this case and all media inquiries should be made to Deputy Commander of the Carolina’s Region Fugitive Task Force Carlos Flores. We continue to encourage residents and visitors to the Town of Chapin to remain vigilant and use extreme caution in the area. We assure you that every resource that is available is in the area and actively protecting our town as we search for this suspect. Thank you to our law enforcement partners, Lexington County Sheriff’s Department and the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division – SLED who continue to stand with us during this time. Remember if you see something suspicious call 911 immediately.”UPDATE Friday morning: This is from Chapin Police Department: 8:30 a.m. “The search continues for the suspect in this case and he is NOT in custody. There are multiple law enforcement agencies and resources in and around the Town of Chapin, South Carolina These resources will remain here throughout the day and into the night if needed. We have also been in contact with School District and will remain in communication throughout. If the suspect is apprehended or confirmed to be out of the Chapin area we will pass that information along accordingly. Stay safe and vigilant and call 911 for anything suspicious. “UPDATE 5:30 AM 11/01/2024: “The suspect is NOT in custody and the search continues. Law-enforcement resources have been utilized throughout the night to locate this suspect. The searches will continue throughout the morning and the day if need be. Once more updated information that can be shared publicly is available we will put out that information. Continue to stay vigilant and call 911 for anything suspicious. UPDATE 3:00 AM 11/01/24: The search continues and the suspect is NOT in custody. The helicopter and K-9 resources are still being utilized along with officers on the ground on perimeter. Please stay away from the area and if you see something suspicious call 911. “UPDATE 12:30 AM 11/01/24: “We have had a confirmed sighting of the suspect in Chapin near Chapin High School. A perimeter has been established and K-9 and helicopter are enroute. Please stay away from the area. If you live in this area ENSURE TO LOCK YOUR DOORS AND REMAIN INSIDE. CALL 911 IMMEDIATELY FOR ANY SUSPICIOUS ACTIVITY.”UPDATE Thursday 9 p.m.: The Chapin Police Department said the murder suspect has not been found.Law Enforcement resources have been deployed throughout the Town of Chapin on Thursday evening, including multiple officers from various agencies as well as helicopters and K-9’s.Officers will continue to patrol throughout the night and deploy other resources should information of Hamlett’s whereabouts become available.Authorities suggest everyone in the area to lock their doors tonight and call 911 for anything suspicious.WYFF 4 reached out for a possible description of the suspect’s vehicle, but officers said they did not have that information at this time.UPDATE Thursday 6 p.m.: Officers alerted the public on Halloween to be aware and vigilant tonight more than ever while trick-or-treating. The Chapin Police Department said Nicholas Wayne Hamlett, who is wanted for first-degree murder, has been reported to be in the Chapin, South Carolina area.Officers said Hamlett is believed to be armed and dangerous.Chapin police, in cooperation with multiple law enforcement partners, is currently conducting an active search in and around the Chapin area for Hamlett. (Previous Coverage below)Monroe County, Tennessee, deputies said a man wanted for first-degree murder has ties to South Carolina and several other states. (Video above: Full press conference held on Oct. 30)Around 11:30 p.m. Oct. 18, Monroe County Emergency Communications received a transferred 911 call from Polk County Emergency Communications regarding a distressed hiker.The caller, who claimed to be Brandon Andrade, told the dispatcher that he fell off a cliff while running from a bear. He claimed to be injured and partially in the water before the call disconnected, officials said. Dispatchers pinged the call to the Charles Hall bridge area on the Cherohala Skyway in Tellico Plains, Tennessee, and emergency services responded. Search-and-rescue teams searched the area and found a dead man with the identification card for Brandon Kristopher Andrade on his person. The body was then transported to the Knox County Regional Forensic Center.”The injuries was not consistent with a bear attack or fall from a cliff,” Monroe County Sheriff Tommy Jones said. “The cause of death was blunt force trauma to the head.”Detectives with the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigation Division and Violent Crimes Task Force reviewed the scene and discovered the ID card that was found on the body did not belong to the deceased man. Upon further investigation, detectives found that the ID card had been stolen and used on multiple occasions. Additionally, authorities found that the man who was using the stolen ID card was 45-year-old Nicholas Wayne Hamlett, who is wanted for parole violation in the state of Alabama.Officials said the victim of the identity theft is alive.According to officials, the phone used to make the 911 call was traced to a home in eastern Tennessee. The resident of the home was later identified as Hamlett. He used a false name when speaking with law enforcement in Knox County after the distressed hiker call. When authorities returned, Hamlett was gone.Deputies said the man who was found dead has yet to be identified and is being referred to as John Doe. Agents with the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation are working to develop a sketch of Doe to be released for the purpose of identification.An arrest warrant has been issued for Hamlett for first-degree murder out of Monroe County.Authorities are searching for Hamlett and said he is known to use multiple aliases, including Andrade. Law enforcement considers Hamlett to be “dangerous and potentially armed.” ” is a very mobile person, which is why we are making this a very national manhunt,” U.S. Marshal David Jolly said. “Mr. Hamlett is an extremely dangerous individual. The facts of this case are very gruesome.”Officials said Hamlett is reported to have ties in the states of South Carolina, Alaska, Kentucky, Montana, Alabama and Tennessee.Hamlett is described as 5 feet, 7 inches tall and 170 pounds with brown hair and blue eyes.The U.S. Marshals Service issued a reward of $5,000 on Wednesday. FBI Special Agent Joseph Caraco said, “If you have any information on the whereabouts of Nicholas Wayne Hamlett contact the sheriff’s office , your 911 number or call 1-800-CALL-FBI.”Jones said, “Anyone that is known that is communicating with Mr. Hamlett in any way and is not reporting to law enforcement will also face criminal charges.”Caraco spoke to Hamlett directly by stating, “Nick, let’s end this peacefully. Turn yourself in, have your day in court. The long arm of the law has a long and huge reach, and we will find you. No matter where you hide.”
Search continues for Nicholas Wayne Hamlett, who is actively wanted for murder.
The last confirmed sighting was in Chapin, South Carolina, on Thursday night.
He is believed to be armed and dangerous, authorities say.
>>For more on what Hamlett is accused of, click here.
You can find updates below and we will continue to add them as we get them.
UPDATE Saturday morning:
8:23 a.m. Newberry County Sheriff’s Office stated the following: “There has been a lot of rumors spread about the search for the murder suspect incident in nearby Chapin. Last night an unverifiable report was issued about the suspect being seen near St. Peter’s Lutheran Church close the Newberry County line. The suspect was allegedly in an older SUV. Deputies from both counties responded but found nothing verifiable. Please see the truth from the Chapin Police Department. Chapin has done a great job trying to keep people informed.”
12:30 a.m. “The suspect in this case has NOT been apprehended. Given that we are approaching 24 hours since his last confirmed sighting in the Chapin area, it is possible he is no longer in this area. We do not have an update to provide from the U.S. Marshalls on his current whereabouts. We continue to receive calls related to this cases, and we will follow up with these tips or pass them along to the appropriate authorities. Remain vigilant, and call 911 for anything suspicious. Unless confirmed information is received that can be shared with the public, this will be the last update until tomorrow morning. Y’all stay safe out there.”
UPDATE Friday evening:
7:15 p.m. “The suspect in this case has NOT been apprehended. There is no definitive information that has been developed as to whether he is still in the Chapin area or not.”
“Our units will continue to patrol throughout the night along with the US Marshalls and other law enforcement partners.”
“We know everyone is frustrated and on edge now that we are past 24 hours in this manhunt. We will update you all once we have actionable information to put out to the public. Thank you for your patience and understanding throughout this time. If you see something, say something, by calling 911 or contacting the US Marshalls at 1-877-WANTED2 or 1-877-926-8332. Stay safe and stay vigilant.”
UPDATE Friday afternoon:
3 p.m. “The suspect in this case has NOT been apprehended and the search continues. Multiple tips and calls of individuals matching the suspects description have been received and vetted.”
“The potential suspects called in have been located and identified and confirmed to NOT be the suspect. These tips prompted law enforcement to again perimeter off the area, and redeploy the SLED Helicopter and K-9’s.”
“There is currently no actionable details that the suspect is still in the area, or information that he has left the area. With that being the case we will still treat this as if he is still here and continue to patrol the area with our LE partners. Please continue to call in any tips or suspicious activity you may see by calling 911 or contacting the US Marshalls at 1-877-WANTED2 1-877-926-8332. Stay safe out there.”
12 p.m. “The Chapin Police Department has been assisting the United States Marshall Service in the Chapin Area as they attempt to apprehend a suspect wanted for murder. Nicholas Wayne Hamlett is wanted for Murder out of Tennessee. He is believed to have family in the Chapin area. On Oct. 31, multiple law enforcement resources were dispatched to the Town of Chapin including, Federal, State, County and Local Law Enforcement Officers. This also included the deployment of a South Carolina Law Enforcement Division helicopter and several K-9’s. The suspect was not located at that time near Chapin High School and Generations of Chapin near 431 East Boundary Street. Given this information a perimeter was established and SLED helicopter and K-9‘s were again deployed to the area. The suspect was not located at that time and the search continued into the morning. There is still a heavy law enforcement presence in the Town of Chapin, and this presence will remain in place until the suspect is apprehended. The USMS is the lead agency on this case and all media inquiries should be made to Deputy Commander of the Carolina’s Region Fugitive Task Force Carlos Flores. We continue to encourage residents and visitors to the Town of Chapin to remain vigilant and use extreme caution in the area. We assure you that every resource that is available is in the area and actively protecting our town as we search for this suspect. Thank you to our law enforcement partners, Lexington County Sheriff’s Department and the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division – SLED who continue to stand with us during this time. Remember if you see something suspicious call 911 immediately.”
UPDATE Friday morning:
This is from Chapin Police Department:
8:30 a.m. “The search continues for the suspect in this case and he is NOT in custody. There are multiple law enforcement agencies and resources in and around the Town of Chapin, South Carolina These resources will remain here throughout the day and into the night if needed. We have also been in contact with School District and will remain in communication throughout. If the suspect is apprehended or confirmed to be out of the Chapin area we will pass that information along accordingly. Stay safe and vigilant and call 911 for anything suspicious. “
UPDATE 5:30 AM 11/01/2024: “The suspect is NOT in custody and the search continues. Law-enforcement resources have been utilized throughout the night to locate this suspect. The searches will continue throughout the morning and the day if need be. Once more updated information that can be shared publicly is available we will put out that information. Continue to stay vigilant and call 911 for anything suspicious. UPDATE 3:00 AM 11/01/24: The search continues and the suspect is NOT in custody. The helicopter and K-9 resources are still being utilized along with officers on the ground on perimeter. Please stay away from the area and if you see something suspicious call 911. “
UPDATE 12:30 AM 11/01/24: “We have had a confirmed sighting of the suspect in Chapin near Chapin High School. A perimeter has been established and K-9 and helicopter are enroute. Please stay away from the area. If you live in this area ENSURE TO LOCK YOUR DOORS AND REMAIN INSIDE. CALL 911 IMMEDIATELY FOR ANY SUSPICIOUS ACTIVITY.”
UPDATE Thursday 9 p.m.: The Chapin Police Department said the murder suspect has not been found.
Law Enforcement resources have been deployed throughout the Town of Chapin on Thursday evening, including multiple officers from various agencies as well as helicopters and K-9’s.
Officers will continue to patrol throughout the night and deploy other resources should information of Hamlett’s whereabouts become available.
Authorities suggest everyone in the area to lock their doors tonight and call 911 for anything suspicious.
WYFF 4 reached out for a possible description of the suspect’s vehicle, but officers said they did not have that information at this time.
UPDATE Thursday 6 p.m.: Officers alerted the public on Halloween to be aware and vigilant tonight more than ever while trick-or-treating.
The Chapin Police Department said Nicholas Wayne Hamlett, who is wanted for first-degree murder, has been reported to be in the Chapin, South Carolina area.
Officers said Hamlett is believed to be armed and dangerous.
Chapin police, in cooperation with multiple law enforcement partners, is currently conducting an active search in and around the Chapin area for Hamlett.
(Previous Coverage below)
Monroe County, Tennessee, deputies said a man wanted for first-degree murder has ties to South Carolina and several other states.
(Video above: Full press conference held on Oct. 30)
Around 11:30 p.m. Oct. 18, Monroe County Emergency Communications received a transferred 911 call from Polk County Emergency Communications regarding a distressed hiker.
The caller, who claimed to be Brandon Andrade, told the dispatcher that he fell off a cliff while running from a bear. He claimed to be injured and partially in the water before the call disconnected, officials said.
Dispatchers pinged the call to the Charles Hall bridge area on the Cherohala Skyway in Tellico Plains, Tennessee, and emergency services responded. Search-and-rescue teams searched the area and found a dead man with the identification card for Brandon Kristopher Andrade on his person. The body was then transported to the Knox County Regional Forensic Center.
“The injuries [of the deceased] was not consistent with a bear attack or fall from a cliff,” Monroe County Sheriff Tommy Jones said. “The cause of death was blunt force trauma to the head.”
Detectives with the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigation Division and Violent Crimes Task Force reviewed the scene and discovered the ID card that was found on the body did not belong to the deceased man. Upon further investigation, detectives found that the ID card had been stolen and used on multiple occasions. Additionally, authorities found that the man who was using the stolen ID card was 45-year-old Nicholas Wayne Hamlett, who is wanted for parole violation in the state of Alabama.
Officials said the victim of the identity theft is alive.
According to officials, the phone used to make the 911 call was traced to a home in eastern Tennessee. The resident of the home was later identified as Hamlett. He used a false name when speaking with law enforcement in Knox County after the distressed hiker call. When authorities returned, Hamlett was gone.
Deputies said the man who was found dead has yet to be identified and is being referred to as John Doe. Agents with the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation are working to develop a sketch of Doe to be released for the purpose of identification.
An arrest warrant has been issued for Hamlett for first-degree murder out of Monroe County.
Authorities are searching for Hamlett and said he is known to use multiple aliases, including Andrade. Law enforcement considers Hamlett to be “dangerous and potentially armed.”
“[Hamlett] is a very mobile person, which is why we are making this a very national manhunt,” U.S. Marshal David Jolly said. “Mr. Hamlett is an extremely dangerous individual. The facts of this case are very gruesome.”
Officials said Hamlett is reported to have ties in the states of South Carolina, Alaska, Kentucky, Montana, Alabama and Tennessee.
Hamlett is described as 5 feet, 7 inches tall and 170 pounds with brown hair and blue eyes.
The U.S. Marshals Service issued a reward of $5,000 on Wednesday.
FBI Special Agent Joseph Caraco said, “If you have any information on the whereabouts of Nicholas Wayne Hamlett contact the sheriff’s office [423-442-3911], your 911 number or call 1-800-CALL-FBI.”
Jones said, “Anyone that is known that is communicating with Mr. Hamlett in any way and is not reporting to law enforcement will also face criminal charges.”
Caraco spoke to Hamlett directly by stating, “Nick, let’s end this peacefully. Turn yourself in, have your day in court. The long arm of the law has a long and huge reach, and we will find you. No matter where you hide.”
