COLD CASE: DNA evidence points to possible suspect in Charlotte woman’s 1990 killing

CHARLOTTE — DNA results could point to a possible suspect in a decades-old cold case that shocked Charlotte.

Officials with the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department released the results of DNA evidence from a 33-year-old cold case murder investigation on Sunday following an order by a judge.

The announcement comes a year after police announced new DNA evidence in the 1990 killing of Charlotte mother, Kim Thomas.

According to investigators, Thomas, 32, was found dead in her Cotswold home on July 2, 1990. She was handcuffed, and her throat had been slashed multiple times.

Marion Gales, a handyman, and Thomas’ husband, Dr. Edward Friedland, have been suspected of committing the crime.

Friedland was indicted on charges that were later dropped. His attorney, David Rudolf, said suspicion has loomed ever since.

“From Ed’s perspective, he’s just pleased that the crime has been solved and that Kim will hopefully get some justice after 34 years,” Rudolf said. “That’s really the major takeaway.”

Gales has never been indicted, arrested, or charged in Thomas’ murder.

The DNA evidence collected came from various items, including pajamas, a dining room floor, and blood samples.

The tests revealed:

• Pubic hairs collected from Kim’s body were consistent with Gales’ DNA.
• DNA found on a rug in her house was consistent with Gales.
• A sample from a stain on a mattress cover was consistent with both Gales and Friedland.

“I can tell you that the evidence against Marion Gales is among the strongest evidence I have ever seen of someone having committed this murder,” Rudolf said.

The DNA released is not convincing for Kim Thomas’ family.

“Contrary to his assertions, the DNA results are inconclusive, they don’t add additional evidence,” said Lynn Thomas, Kim Thomas’ older sister.

The DNA matches to Gales are partial ones.

“It’s disappointing,” she said. “It isn’t more persuasive, and I wish I could say it exonerated anybody, but it does not.”

It further prolongs the effort to find out who killed Kim Thomas.

“I really wish I knew,” Lynn Thomas said. “I would love for this case to end and a person this year, who killed my sister, to be arrested.”

Rudolf said his client has been unfairly pinpointed for the crime and he blames CMPD.

“They have to say, ‘There’s no evidence here, and we made a mistake,’” Rudolf said. “‘We’re sorry’ would be appropriate. Do I expect that? I don’t.”

More previous coverage:

• Vigil held in Charlotte for victim of 25-year-old cold case
• Woman continues search 23 years after sister’s killing
• Supporters, son of woman killed 23 years ago hold gathering

The district attorney told Channel 9 in a statement that despite Rudolf’s comments, the criminal investigation remains open.

Gales is currently serving a 21-year sentence for manslaughter unrelated to the Kim Thomas murder.

The state Department of Corrections shows his release date is in March 2025.

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