by Charlotte, North Carolina — More than three decades after a beloved community activist was found stabbed to death inside her home, police say a suspect has finally been identified and charged through advances in DNA technology.
The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department announced the arrest of 63-year-old Marion Gales in connection with the 1990 killing of Kim Thomas Friedland.
Friedland was discovered dead in her home on July 27, 1990. Authorities said she had been stabbed to death and her throat had been slashed in what investigators described as a brutal attack.
DNA Breakthrough Reopens Cold Case
At the time of the killing, detectives collected DNA evidence from the scene. However, officials said the technology available in 1990 was not advanced enough to fully analyze the samples.
Recent advances in DNA testing allowed investigators to reexamine old evidence and identify a suspect decades later.
According to police, updated forensic analysis found Gales’ DNA on a rug near the victim and on Friedland’s body.
Deputy Chief Ryan Butler said the department’s violent criminal apprehension team arrested Gales following extensive work by cold case homicide detectives.
“Newer technology allowed the lab to reevaluate evidence that was previously collected and verify more clearly the profiles associated with those samples,” Butler said during a press conference.
He added that earlier limitations often made it difficult to separate multiple DNA profiles within mixed samples — a challenge that modern forensic tools were able to overcome.
Husband Once Considered a Suspect
In the immediate aftermath of the killing, Friedland’s husband, Dr. Ed Friedland, was initially named a suspect and arrested. However, he was later cleared due to insufficient evidence.
Years later, with improved DNA analysis techniques, investigators reopened the case and reexamined preserved evidence.
Police said Gales had previously worked at Friedland’s home before her death.
Prior Conviction for Another Killing
Authorities also revealed that Gales had recently been released from prison after serving time in connection with the 2008 killing of another woman.
In that case, Lacoya Martin was found dead behind her home. Investigators reportedly discovered Gales’ DNA under her fingernails. He later pleaded guilty to manslaughter and served approximately 16 years in prison.
Gales was arrested Feb. 19 at his Charlotte residence and is now facing a murder charge in Friedland’s death.
Investigation Still Ongoing
Despite the arrest, police emphasized that the investigation remains open.
Read Also: Wisconsin Man Accused of Stealing Ambulance With ‘Dying’ Patient Inside, Leading Police Chase
“Our cases are never complete until they’re complete,” Butler said. “Until detectives feel that all evidence has been obtained and all questions have been answered, we will never say that our investigation is complete.”
The arrest brings renewed attention to a case that lingered in uncertainty for 35 years and highlights the growing role of advanced forensic science in solving long-standing cold cases.
What are your thoughts on how modern DNA technology is reshaping cold case investigations? Share respectfully in the comments below.
