A shocking and deeply disturbing murder case in Georgia has taken a major legal turn. A woman accused of killing and dismembering her girlfriend nearly two decades ago is now facing an 80-count indictment. Prosecutors describe the case as one of the most gruesome they have ever handled.
80-Count Indictment in Fulton County
Angel Thompson was recently indicted by a grand jury in Fulton County Superior Court. The charges come more than six months after her arrest in connection with the death of her former girlfriend, 24-year-old Nicole Alston.
According to court records, prosecutors presented evidence including allegations of:
- Murder
- Removal and dismemberment of human body parts
- Identity theft
- Insurance fraud
- Forgery
- Aggravated assault and battery
- Concealing a death
- Tampering with evidence
The indictment includes 80 separate counts tied to the killing and alleged financial crimes that followed.
Horrific Discovery in 2007
The case dates back to 2007 when deputies in Troup County found a burning black bag at a street corner in Hogansville. Inside were parts of a woman’s body.
Authorities later revealed that 13 pieces of Nicole Alston’s remains were recovered. However, her hands, feet, and head have never been found. Due to the condition of the remains and missing body parts, investigators were unable to identify her at the time.
For years, the case remained unsolved.
DNA Breakthrough After 16 Years
In 2023, authorities reopened the case. DNA evidence was sent to private forensic labs for advanced testing. The results were later confirmed by the Georgia Bureau of Investigation crime lab.
In December 2023, officials officially identified the remains as Nicole Alston. Her identification was also helped by an Ancestry.com search conducted by her aunt.
Alston had moved from Manhattan, New York, to Georgia hoping to build a new life. According to her mother, Sylvia Austin, she believed Thompson would help her succeed.
Allegations of Domestic Violence and Control
Prosecutors say Alston and Thompson were living together on Cascade Palmetto Highway before the killing. Over time, their relationship reportedly became troubled.
Officials allege that Alston was the main financial provider in the relationship. According to Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis, Thompson allegedly became abusive when Alston wanted to leave and return home.
Willis described the case as involving classic domestic violence, claiming Thompson did not want to lose her partner or her financial support.
Alleged Identity Theft and Fraud
After Alston’s death, investigators say Thompson began using her identity. Authorities allege that she:
- Tried to sell Alston’s car
- Rented out her apartment
- Opened bank and email accounts in her name
- Collected government benefits
Prosecutors claim Thompson collected nearly $140,000 using Alston’s identity over eight years. This allegedly included:
- More than $60,000 in Social Security benefits
- Around $17,000 in food stamps
- Approximately $60,000 in housing assistance
The alleged fraud reportedly continued until March 2015.
Prosecutors Call Case Extremely Gruesome
District Attorney Fani Willis described the case as one of the most horrifying in her nearly three decades in criminal law. She said it ranks among the top three most gruesome cases she has ever seen.
Investigators also believe Thompson may have been trying to recruit other women soon after Alston’s disappearance. Authorities are looking into possible links to human trafficking.
Current Status of the Case
Angel Thompson is currently being held at the Fulton County Jail. As of now, no future court date has been publicly listed.
The case continues to move through the legal system, nearly 18 years after Nicole Alston’s tragic death.
