S.C. cops arrest man accused of staging slaying as bear attack
COLUMBIA, S.C. (CNN) – The suspect who allegedly staged a fake bear attack to cover up a murder is in custody after a three-week manhunt.
Nicholas Wayne Hamlett was taken into custody Sunday in Columbia, South Carolina after being recognized at a hospital.
The case began on Oct. 18 when a man identifying himself as Brandon Andrade called 911.
S.C. court holds off setting date for state’s next execution
Lawyers for four S.C. inmates asked justices to postpone executions until after Christmas and New Year’s. The top court may be doing that.
Police said he pretended to be a distressed hiker who had fallen off a cliff while running from a bear in Monroe County, Tennessee.
First responders found a dead body but determined it was not Andrade’s body.
Instead, his identity had been stolen and used multiple times.
The body was actually that of Steven Douglas Lloyd.
Authorities said Hamlett befriended Lloyd and lured him into the woods, where he took his life and identity.
Copyright 2024 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.
