Woman Allegedly Assumes Identity of Dismembered Friend, Steals $200,000 in Benefits

Georgia- A Georgia woman, Angel Marie Thompson, has been charged with concealing the death of her friend, Nicole Alston, whose dismembered remains were found in a burning bag in 2007. Thompson is accused of assuming Alston’s identity and stealing approximately $200,000 in benefits over an eight-year period.

The case began in December 2007 when Troup County Sheriff’s Office deputies discovered the remains at Whitfield and Stitcher roads. The victim was unidentified until 2023, when DNA analysis and genetic genealogy led to a match with Alston.

Investigations revealed that Alston and Thompson moved from New York to Atlanta in 2007, and Alston’s family last heard from her around Thanksgiving that year. Thompson was wanted in New York for theft and identity fraud at the time.

After Alston’s death, Thompson allegedly identified herself as Alston and collected her benefits until 2015. Additional agencies in Georgia are investigating the estimated $200,000 in fraud.

Troup County investigators are still working to determine who killed Alston and where the homicide took place. Thompson was arrested on August 19, but her current status and next court appearance are not available.