Imposter Lived Victim's Life for 17 Years After Murder

In 2007, the dismembered and burned remains of Nicole Alston were discovered in Hogansville, Georgia. For 17 years, her identity was allegedly assumed by her girlfriend, Angel Marie Thompson, who was indicted in February 2026. Thompson reportedly accessed Alston's Social Security, housing, car, and job. This shocking deception was uncovered in 2023 when authorities utilized public genealogy databases to identify Alston's remains. Alston, an orphan with a learning disability and legally blind, had moved to Georgia with Thompson, where she knew no one, making her a vulnerable target. The discovery of Alston's body in garbage bags, missing extremities, initially posed a challenge, but DNA from the remains allowed for identification. Troup County Sheriff Clay Bryant noted the peculiarity of a dismembered and burned victim with no missing person report, realizing the perpetrator had likely assumed her identity. Investigators believe Thompson may have other victims and are urging anyone with information to come forward.