New DNA Evidence Leads to Arrest in Kim Thomas Murder 35 Years Later

Authorities charge Marion Gales, a former handyman for the family, in the 1990 killing of the women's activist in her Cotswold home.

Published on Feb. 26, 2026

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Charlotte-Mecklenburg police announced on Thursday that new DNA technology has led to the arrest of Marion Gales in the 1990 murder of Kim Thomas, a 32-year-old women's activist who was found dead in her Cotswold home. Thomas' husband, Ed Friedland, was previously charged but the case was dismissed due to lack of evidence. The new DNA evidence links Gales, a former handyman for the family, to the crime scene.

Why it matters

The high-profile Thomas case has haunted the city of Charlotte for decades, with many questions remaining about who was responsible for her brutal killing. The arrest of Gales, based on the new DNA evidence, could finally provide some closure for Thomas' family and the community.

The details

In 1994, police charged Thomas' husband, Ed Friedland, with her killing, although those charges were soon dropped. DNA evidence has now linked another suspect, Marion Gales, to the murder. Gales was a handyman who had done work for the Friedland family in the weeks leading up to the killing. He had a history of attacks on women and was seen near the Friedland home the morning of the homicide. The new DNA evidence was found on several pieces of evidence from the crime scene, including a comb used to collect Thomas' pubic hair.

  • Kim Thomas was found dead in her Cotswold home on July 27, 1990.
  • In 1994, police charged her husband Ed Friedland with her murder, but the charges were soon dropped.
  • In 2010, CMPD said new evidence had emerged and they were investigating a 'person of interest' who wasn't Friedland.
  • In 2024, a judge ordered CMPD to release DNA results that showed both Friedland and Gales' DNA at the crime scene.
  • On February 19, 2026, CMPD announced the arrest of Marion Gales in the Kim Thomas murder case.

The players

Kim Thomas

A 32-year-old women's activist who lived with her husband in Cotswold. She was a member of the Charlotte chapter of the National Organization for Women and co-wrote a book called 'A Charlotte Child: A Guide for the Pregnant Woman'.

Ed Friedland

Thomas' husband, who was previously charged with her murder in 1994 but the charges were dropped due to insufficient evidence.

Marion Gales

A former handyman who had done work for the Friedland family in the weeks leading up to the killing. He had a history of attacks on women and was seen near the Friedland home the morning of the homicide.

David Rudolf

A prominent North Carolina attorney who has represented Friedland and has been critical of CMPD's handling of the case, saying they ignored evidence against Gales.

Ryan Butler

CMPD Deputy Police Chief who announced the arrest of Gales and said the new DNA evidence directly links him to the crime.

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What they’re saying

“They have mishandled this case ever since.”

— David Rudolf, Attorney (The Charlotte Observer)

“We have direct criminal evidence linking Mr. Gales to the location and the victim.”

— Ryan Butler, CMPD Deputy Police Chief (Press Conference)

What’s next

Gales was already in prison for killing another woman, but was released last year. The judge in the case will now decide whether to keep Gales in custody or allow him out on bail as the investigation continues.

The takeaway

This case highlights the importance of advancements in DNA technology in solving cold cases, as well as the need for thorough and unbiased investigations. The arrest of Gales, after decades of questions and suspicion surrounding the Friedland family, could finally provide some closure for the community.