CHARLOTTE — Police made an arrest in the death of Kim Thomas, 32, a mother who was killed in her Cotswold home on July 2, 1990, Channel 9 learned from police sources and Thomas’ family.
[ COLD CASE: DNA evidence points to possible suspect in Charlotte woman’s 1990 killing ]
Police arrested Marion Gales, 63, is someone who has been on CMPD’s radar the entire time, sources said.
He was a handyman who had been suspected of committing the crime for decades.
[ UNSOLVED: Police have new DNA evidence in Charlotte mom’s 1990 murder, attorney says ]
Thomas’ husband, Dr. Ed Friedland, found his wife’s nearly dismembered body on the floor. The medical examiner ruled the death as a homicide.
He was charged with the crime but that was dismissed.
Gales spent 20 years in prison on an unrelated manslaughter charge and was released in March 2025.
New DNA testing last year found that Gales’ genetic profile matched pubic hairs recovered from Thomas’ body, and DNA on a rug also aligned with his.
When that new evidence came out, Channel 9’s Glenn Counts spoke with Gales, who stood firm, denying his involvement.
On Tuesday, CMPD Cold Case detectives got a DNA lab report from the department’s Crime Laboratory containing new information obtained from analyzing existing evidence using innovative technology.
Detectives then obtained warrants for the arrest of Gales for the murder of Thomas.
On Thursday, CMPD’s Violent Criminal Apprehension Team officers located and arrested Gales.
Detectives interviewed Gales at the Law Enforcement Center.
Officers took Gales to the sheriff’s office and charged him with first-degree murder.
No additional details have been made available.
This is a developing story. Check back with wsoctv.com and watch Eyewitness News starting at 5 p.m. for updates.
COLD CASE: DNA evidence points to possible suspect in Charlotte woman’s 1990 killing
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