Georgia Woman Arrested for Murder and Identity Theft
A woman in Georgia has been arrested for murder and for stealing her girlfriend’s long-held identity card. This suspect, Angel Thompson, was previously identified 18 years ago in connection with a body discovered inside a burning bag.
Thompson was charged back in December 2007 for the murder of Nicole Alston, a 24-year-old woman from Manhattan.
Clay Bryant, an investigator with the Troop County Sheriff’s Department, remarked, “It takes a real sociopath to carry out such actions.”
The remains of Alston were never fully recovered, and this contributed to a lengthy 16-year delay in confirming her identity. But, in early 2023, DNA evidence matched with her relatives validated that the body belonged to Alston.
Authorities learned that Alston had moved from New York City to live with Thompson in 2007. Reports suggest that Thompson had trafficked Alston before her death, and the two shared a tumultuous and abusive relationship.
Detective John Nanoff noted that Alston had been using dating apps to seek new partners on the night she was murdered.
After Alston’s remains were found, Thompson allegedly posed as her to collect Social Security benefits, food stamps, and housing assistance for eight years. This deception included changing bank accounts and even using Alston’s photos, according to Nanoff.
“It’s astonishing how thorough and calculated her actions were,” Nanoff stated. He also mentioned that Thompson had accumulated around $140,000 in government benefits while using Alston’s identity.
In August 2023, Thompson was arrested for concealing Alston’s death and, as of Tuesday, she faces charges of murder and extensive identity theft.
Sylvia Austin, the mother of the victim, has never ceased looking for her daughter since she went missing. “I wish she hadn’t come to Georgia because she didn’t deserve any of this,” she expressed.
She reflected on her daughter’s personality, saying, “She had a vibrant spirit and always made it seem like everything was fine, despite her struggles. People reached out to her for support.”
Prosecutors are reportedly taking their time to indict Thompson due to the complexity of the case. Meanwhile, officials are encouraging anyone with information about Thompson or the couple to contact the Fulton County District Attorney’s Office.
Current court records indicate that Thompson is not in custody at the Fulton County Jail.
