Columbia Police Capture Murder Fugitive After Extensive Manhunt

Columbia Captures Fugitive Wanted for Murder

Columbia, South Carolina – The long and tense search for Nicholas Wayne Hamlett, a man wanted on a murder charge from Monroe County, Tennessee, came to a close this past Sunday evening when local law enforcement finally apprehended him at a hospital in Columbia. Authorities had been on the lookout for Hamlett since late October, and his capture marks a significant turn in this shocking case that has captivated many.

A Hospital Encounter Leads to Capture

At approximately 6 p.m. on Sunday, police were alerted to Hamlett’s presence at the hospital after a vigilant employee recognized him. It’s not yet clear why he was at the hospital. Columbia police officers also quickly confirmed Hamlett’s identity using a fingerprint scanner from the University of South Carolina Police Department.

Following his identification, Hamlett was taken into the temporary custody of the U.S. Marshals Service Columbia Carolinas Regional Fugitive Task Force. They are coordinating with Tennessee authorities to arrange for his extradition back to Monroe County.

The Search for Hamlett

The frantic search for Hamlett began following a grim incident in Tennessee on October 18. Reports stated that emergency personnel received a call regarding a “distressed hiker” who claimed to be Brandon Andrade. He alleged that he had sustained injuries from a fall while fleeing from a bear. However, investigators later discovered a man’s body, which shocking evidence revealed did not belong to Andrade but was actually Steven Douglas Lloyd, a 34-year-old resident of Knoxville.

According to the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office, it’s believed that Hamlett befriended Lloyd and led him to a secluded area where he ultimately killed him, allegedly taking his identity in the process. Authorities are also investigating a parole violation in Alabama connected to Hamlett, adding further complexities to an already tangled case.

Community Vigilance Pays Off

The search for Hamlett extended into the Chapin area, where local police urged residents to remain vigilant, stating they believed he might have family in the region. On Halloween, various law enforcement agencies initiated a thorough manhunt around Lexington County. Hamlett was reportedly last seen on the morning of November 1, near 431 East Boundary Street in Chapin. Days of updates and awareness campaigns kept the community engaged and informed of the ongoing situation.

On November 8, updates from Chapin police indicated that U.S. Marshals had shifted their search efforts elsewhere, though they warned residents to continue being aware of their surroundings. Ultimately, on Sunday evening, Chapin police joyously announced Hamlett had been taken into custody.

Thanks to Collaborative Efforts

Chapin police expressed their gratitude towards their law enforcement partners and the public for their support during the manhunt. “The suspect in this case HAS BEEN ARRESTED,” they proudly stated in a community update. “Thank you to our law enforcement partners who relentlessly worked this case until he was apprehended. And a huge thank you to the community as well for your patience and vigilance throughout this time.”

What’s Next?

As federal, state, and local authorities prepare for Hamlett’s return to Tennessee, the investigation continues to unravel the details surrounding this shocking case. As always in developing stories, details can be fluid, and as more information is made available, the community will be kept updated accordingly.