17 Years Later: Woman Charged With Murder of Dismembered Girlfriend from 2007
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By Becca Longmire
In a shocking turn of events, Angel Marie Thompson has been charged with murder and identity theft in connection to the 2007 death of Nicole Alston. The partial remains of 24-year-old Alston were discovered in December 2007 in a burning bag at the side of a road in Hogansville, Georgia. Alston, who was Thompson’s girlfriend, has left a lingering mystery as her hands, feet, and head were never found, making identification a challenge until 2023.
The case resurfaced when Thompson was booked by the Sandy Springs Police Department in Georgia on August 12, charged with one count of murder and two counts of identity theft, as per online jail records. The offense date was listed as December 6, 2007, the same day Alston’s remains were found. Authorities had to wait until DNA analysis in 2023 to confirm Alston’s identity.
Reports from local media outlets like Fox 5 Atlanta and ABC state that Thompson was in a relationship with Alston at the time of her death. Initially, Thompson was arrested in August 2024 for concealing Alston’s death, with investigations ongoing to determine the actual killer. It was revealed that Thompson had assumed Alston’s identity for financial gain, collecting benefits and housing under false pretenses amounting to approximately $200,000.
According to Thompson’s arrest warrant, she is suspected of killing Alston through violent means, suggesting a motive related to financial fraud and identity theft. Investigators believe that Thompson orchestrated the murder to continue living under Alston’s identity, as she reportedly wanted to return to New York but was hindered by outstanding warrants.
During a press conference, investigator Clay Bryant highlighted the importance of closure for Alston’s family, emphasizing the need for truth and justice. The case’s development shed light on Thompson’s callous actions following Alston’s death, where she reportedly resumed normal activities like renting out their apartment and selling their car while keeping up appearances on dating websites.
The victim’s mother, Sylvia Austin, expressed her ongoing search for her daughter and the devastation caused by the heinous crime. Austin remembered Alston as a vibrant and caring individual, sharing fond memories of her resilience and positive demeanor. The District Attorney’s office plans to elevate charges against Thompson, including human trafficking offenses, underscoring the severity of the crimes committed.
As Thompson remains in custody without bond, the families involved await further legal proceedings and justice for Nicole Alston. The collaboration between law enforcement agencies and DNA forensic analysis has brought long-overdue answers to a case that plagued investigators and loved ones for nearly two decades.
The unfolding details of the murder case serve as a chilling reminder of the complexities surrounding interpersonal relationships, crime investigation, and the pursuit of truth in the face of deception and betrayal. The resilience of families seeking closure and justice stands as a testament to the enduring impact of such tragic events on communities and individuals affected by senseless violence.