Georgia woman allegedly impersonated 2007 murder victim to commit 200k fraud

TROUP COUNTY, Ga. ( WRBL ) — Authorities have arrested a woman in connection with the 2007 cold case murder of a New York woman whose dismembered remains were discovered in Troup County, Georgia.

On December 6, 2007, deputies from the Troup County Sheriff’s Office responded to a call about a suspicious black bag burning at the intersection of Whitfield Road and Stitcher Road. When they arrived, they discovered partially burned human remains, with the hands, feet, and head missing.

The case was revisited in early 2023, with DNA evidence sent to Innovative Forensic Investigations in Virginia and Gene by Gene Laboratories in Texas for advanced genetic genealogy analysis. The results were then sent to the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) crime lab, which confirmed on December 13, 2023, the remains belonged to Nicole Alston, a 24-year-old from Manhattan, New York.

According to investigators, Alston had moved to Atlanta with her friend, Angel Marie Thompson, who was wanted in New York at the time for theft and identity fraud. Alston’s family last heard from her around Thanksgiving 2007, shortly before her remains were discovered.

Further investigation revealed after Alston’s death, Thompson allegedly assumed her identity, collecting Social Security benefits, food stamps, and Section 8 housing under Alston’s name for nearly eight years. The fraudulent activity reportedly amounted to approximately $200,000. In 2015, Thompson resumed using her real name after being contacted by the Social Security Administration to requalify for benefits.

Thompson was arrested on August 19, 2024, and charged with concealing the death of Nicole Alston. At this time, the actual circumstances of Alston’s death remain unclear, and the investigation is ongoing. Authorities have not yet determined who is responsible for her murder.

The case continues to develop as investigators work to uncover more details.

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