The Tragic Case of Nicole Alston: Justice 17 Years Later
- Crime Noir
- Aug 17
- 2 min read
On December 6, 2007, the remains of 24-year-old Nicole Alston were discovered in Hogansville, Georgia. Her body had been partially dismembered—her hands, feet, and head were missing making identification impossible at the time. For more than 16 years, her family was left without answers.
It wasn’t until December 2023 that authorities were able to confirm Nicole’s identity through advanced DNA testing and genetic genealogy. The breakthrough came after investigators submitted her recovered DNA for further analysis, which finally matched to her family.
According to People.com, the Troup County Sheriff’s Office had initially responded to a call about a burning black bag near Whitfield Road and Stitcher Road in 2007. Inside, they found Nicole’s remains, still smoldering. The gruesome discovery marked the beginning of a lengthy investigation that would span nearly two decades.
Through the course of the case, investigators learned that Nicole had moved from New York to Atlanta with her friend, Angel Marie Thompson, who was already wanted in New York on charges of theft and identity fraud. Nicole’s family last heard from her around Thanksgiving 2007, just days before her death.
Authorities later discovered that after Nicole’s murder, Thompson assumed her identity. For more than eight years, she fraudulently collected Nicole’s Social Security benefits, food stamps, and even secured Section 8 housing under her name. At one point, she brazenly
appeared at a Social Security Administration office to requalify for benefits. In total, she accumulated approximately $200,000 through fraud while living as Nicole.
District Attorney Fani Willis announced that Nicole had been a victim of sex trafficking and exploitation before her tragic death. According to the Miami Herald, investigators believe she spent her final weeks at the Genesis Gardens Apartments in Palmetto, Georgia, just outside Atlanta.
While her exact cause of death remains unclear, investigators suspect she was killed by blunt force trauma to the head or throat. They believe Nicole wanted to return to New York, but Thompson refused due to her outstanding warrants. To maintain her financial schemes and avoid exposure, Thompson allegedly killed Nicole and immediately took over her identity. Investigators also revealed that Thompson was active on dating websites the very day Nicole’s remains were discovered, and even attempted to rent out their shared apartment soon after.
Today, Angel Marie Thompson is charged with murder in connection with Nicole Alston’s death. She is being held without bond at the Fulton County Jail.
Seventeen years after her life was brutally taken, Nicole Alston has finally been identified and her story has brought long-overdue justice.
Rest in peace, Nicole Alston.
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