An arrest has been made in a 17-year-old cold case from Troup County.
According to the Troup County Sheriff’s Office (TCSO), Angel Marie Thompson was arrested on August 19 and charged with concealing the death of Nicole Alston, 24.
In 2007, officers discovered Alston’s fragmentary remains inside a burning black bag at the intersection of Whitfield and Stitcher roads. Officials were unable to identify the body until last year.
Authorities said they discovered from her family that Alston and Thompson had departed New York to reside in Atlanta. Thompson was wanted in New York for theft and identity fraud, according to authorities.
The sheriff says the family last heard from Alston around Thanksgiving 2007.
Investigators concluded in August of this year that once Alston’s remains were discovered, Thompson began identifying herself as the victim.
Thompson allegedly collected Social Security payments, food stamps, and Section 8 housing in Alston’s name for eight years. According to TCSO, the fraud is expected to be worth almost $200,000 in total.
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According to the sheriff’s office, the identity of Alston’s killer has yet to be determined. The investigation continues.