Charlotte, February 20, 2026
A significant breakthrough has occurred in the Kim Thomas cold case as Marion Gales, 63, is arrested for first-degree murder. This cold case, unsolved for over 30 years, has deeply impacted the Charlotte community. Advanced DNA technology led authorities to Gales, who was previously a person of interest. His connection to the victim and the crime scene has been confirmed through new evidence analysis. The case remains active as investigators continue to seek more information.
Charlotte
After more than three decades, a significant arrest has been made in the 1990 cold case homicide of Kim Thomas, a high-profile case that has deeply affected the Charlotte community. On Thursday, February 19, 2026, authorities announced the arrest of Marion Gales, 63, who has been charged with first-degree murder in connection with Thomas’s death. This breakthrough was made possible by advanced DNA technology that allowed investigators to re-examine existing evidence, linking Gales directly to the crime scene and the victim.
Details of the Arrest and Charges
Mr. Gales was taken into custody at a Charlotte residence by the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department’s (CMPD) Violent Criminal Apprehension Team (VCAT) on February 19, 2026. He faces a charge of first-degree murder. The arrest follows a DNA lab report received by CMPD Cold Case detectives on February 17, 2026, which provided new information derived from the analysis of previously collected evidence using innovative technology.
Investigators stated that this new technology allowed the laboratory to more clearly verify DNA profiles associated with the samples, definitively linking Mr. Gales to the location of the incident and to Kim Thomas herself.
Long-Standing Suspect and Prior History
Marion Gales had been a person of interest in the Kim Thomas case for many years, having previously worked as a handyman for the Thomas household. Despite this, he had not been previously charged in connection with her murder. Mr. Gales was released from prison in March 2025, having served time for manslaughter in a separate case involving the killing of Lacoya Martin in 2008.
In a related civil proceeding, Kim Thomas’s husband, Dr. Edward Friedland, successfully sued Marion Gales for wrongful death in 1997, winning the case. Dr. Friedland had initially been considered the primary suspect in his wife’s murder, with charges filed against him in 1994, but these were later dropped due to insufficient evidence.
The Tragic Event of July 1990
Kim Thomas, 32, was discovered deceased in her Cotswold home on Churchill Road in south Charlotte on Friday, July 27, 1990, around 9:59 p.m. Her husband, Edward Friedland, made the initial call to emergency services after finding her. The investigation determined that Ms. Thomas had been handcuffed, and her throat was slashed multiple times, resulting in a brutal and savage death. An autopsy by the Mecklenburg County Medical Examiner’s Office confirmed the manner of death as homicide.
Kim Thomas was a respected activist with the National Organization for Women. At the time of her murder, the couple’s 10-month-old adopted son was in his crib, unharmed.
Decades of Persistence
For more than 35 years, detectives from CMPD’s Homicide Unit and Cold Case Unit consistently investigated the case, submitting numerous pieces of evidence for lab testing as forensic technology advanced. The relentless efforts of these units, alongside contributions from the CMPD Crime Laboratory, the Federal SAKI Grant, and DNA Labs International, were instrumental in achieving this recent breakthrough.
While an arrest has been made, the investigation into Kim Thomas’s murder remains active and ongoing. Authorities continue to welcome any additional information related to the case.
Key Features of the Kim Thomas Cold Case Arrest
| Victim | Kim Thomas |
| Date of Crime | July 27, 1990 |
| Date of Arrest | February 19, 2026 |
| Suspect Arrested | Marion Gales |
| Charge | First-degree murder |
| Key Breakthrough | Advanced DNA technology re-analysis of existing evidence |
| Previous Suspect | Dr. Edward Friedland (charges dropped) |
| Suspect’s Background | Former handyman for the victim, previous manslaughter conviction |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Charlotte Cold Case Arrest Brings Long-Awaited Justice
Marion Gales Released from Prison Amid Murder Investigations
Charlotte Man Set for Release Amid Unsolved Murder Mystery
Author: HERE Charlotte
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