Into The Dark Podcast Episode 123: "The Grizzly Cover Up - Steven Douglas Lloyd"
Release Date: June 11, 2025
Host: Payton Moreland
Podcast Description: A True Crime podcast with a hint of horror and mystery. Join Payton Moreland as she delves into different cases each week, breaking down the facts and pondering the question, “Why do people do what they do?”. Payton also explores conspiracy theories, hauntings, and all things spooky every Wednesday, guiding listeners further "Into The Dark."
Introduction
Payton Moreland opens the episode by sharing personal anecdotes, setting a relatable tone before delving into the true crime narrative. She emphasizes the rarity of violent crimes compared to other offenses, noting, “Violent offenses and murder are rare... homicide rates and violent crime rates have been going down in the United States pretty consistently for the past 30 years” (02:30).
The Mysterious 911 Call
On October 18, 2024, at 11:34 PM, a desperate 911 call was made from Teleco Plains, Monroe County, Tennessee. The caller, identifying himself as Brandon, reported being attacked by a bear during a midnight hike, leading to a fall near a waterfall. He mentioned his phone battery was at 2%, fearing the call would drop before help arrived (04:58).
Notable Quote:
Brandon: “I'm at the waterfall.” (04:59)
Tragically, the call disconnected before rescuers could locate him. Despite the dispatchers' efforts, Brandon was found deceased near the waterfall with evidence suggesting blunt force trauma inconsistent with a bear attack or accidental fall (06:15).
The Twist: Identity Theft Revealed
The investigation took a sinister turn when the medical examiner concluded Brandon died from blunt force trauma, indicating murder. Further scrutiny revealed Brandon had been a victim of prolonged identity theft, with multiple scammers using his personal information for fraudulent activities over the past seven years. Investigators realized that the Brandon who died was not the real Brandon but an innocent man whose identity was stolen (15:23).
Enter Nicholas Hamlet: The Primary Suspect
The real Brandon was located alive, leading authorities to connect the dots to a known scammer named Nicholas Hamlet. Nicholas had a history of fraud, parole violations, and a previous attempt to murder a man in 2009. He had taken out multiple life insurance policies on Brandon, indicating a motive to fake Brandon's death for financial gain (21:50).
Notable Quote:
Payton Moreland: “This is a pretty good way to cover up a crime.” (12:05)
The Murder of Stephen Douglas Lloyd
Further investigation identified the actual victim as Stephen Douglas Lloyd, a 34-year-old man with a troubled past, including foster care and reactive attachment disorder. Stephen had befriended Nicholas, unaware of his dark history. On October 18, Nicholas lured Stephen to a remote hiking trail, where he murdered him and staged the scene to resemble Brandon's supposed accident. Nicholas then attempted to cover his tracks by making the fraudulent 911 call (24:30).
The Manhunt and Arrest
Nicholas fled Tennessee shortly after the murder, evading capture for nearly a month. Despite multiple sightings and a substantial reward offer, he remained elusive until November 10th, when he was mistakenly brought into a hospital after displaying erratic behavior. A vigilant hospital employee recognized him from the wanted poster, leading to his arrest. Nicholas was charged with Stephen's murder and parole violations. His wife, Taylor Fiber, was also implicated for aiding his escape and was charged with lying to the police. She remains free on bond awaiting trial (30:45).
Notable Quote:
Payton Moreland: “Steven really trusted his friend Nicholas. And if the evidence is to be believed, he was wrong to do so.” (36:20)
Implications and Reflections
The case highlights the devastating impact of identity theft and manipulation. Nicholas Hamlet's ability to exploit Brandon's identity not only tarnished Brandon's life but also facilitated a gruesome murder. Payton emphasizes the importance of vigilance and the fragile nature of trust, especially for individuals with past traumas like Stephen (35:10).
Notable Quote:
Payton Moreland: “You can never be entirely safe from danger.” (36:40)
Conclusion
Payton Moreland wraps up the episode by reflecting on the complexities of human relationships and the unpredictability of those we trust. She underscores the necessity of balancing openness with caution to protect oneself from potential betrayal and harm.
Notable Quote:
Payton Moreland: “There's nothing wrong with letting yourself be vulnerable as you live your life and make good friends.” (36:55)
Key Takeaways
- Rare Nature of Violent Crimes: Despite their low incidence, violent crimes are heavily impactful and garner significant attention.
- Identity Theft as a Crime Facilitator: Long-term identity theft can lead to severe consequences, including wrongful accusations and facilitated crimes.
- Manipulation and Trust: Individuals with a history of trauma, like Stephen, are vulnerable to manipulation by cunning individuals like Nicholas.
- Law Enforcement Challenges: Tracking and apprehending criminals who utilize multiple identities and manipulate emergency systems is complex and resource-intensive.
- Impact on Victims' Families: The wrongful association with crimes can cause immense pain and confusion for the actual victims' families.
Notable Quotes with Timestamps
- Brandon (Caller): “I’m at the waterfall.” (04:59)
- Payton Moreland: “This is a pretty good way to cover up a crime.” (12:05)
- Payton Moreland: “Steven really trusted his friend Nicholas. And if the evidence is to be believed, he was wrong to do so.” (36:20)
- Payton Moreland: “You can never be entirely safe from danger.” (36:40)
- Payton Moreland: “There's nothing wrong with letting yourself be vulnerable as you live your life and make good friends.” (36:55)
Final Thoughts
"The Grizzly Cover Up - Steven Douglas Lloyd" serves as a chilling reminder of the lengths to which individuals may go for financial gain and the profound effects of identity theft. Payton Moreland masterfully navigates the intricate details of the case, providing listeners with a comprehensive understanding of the events while provoking thought on deeper societal issues surrounding trust, vulnerability, and crime.
For those intrigued by this deep dive into the dark realms of true crime, "Into The Dark" offers a compelling exploration every week. Share this episode with fellow true crime enthusiasts and continue the journey further into the mysteries that shadow our world.