A decades-old homicide case in Charlotte has been solved, according to the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department. On Thursday, investigators announced the arrest of 63-year-old Marion Gales in connection with the 1990 killing of Kim Thomas Friedland.
The case began the night of July 27, 1990, when Edward Friedland called 911 shortly before 10 p.m., reporting that his wife had been killed. Officers responded to the home and found Friedland deceased. She was transported to the Mecklenburg County Medical Examiner’s Office, where her death was ruled a homicide.
DNA Breakthrough Leads to Charges
Over the past 35 years, detectives continued to investigate the case, periodically revisiting evidence as forensic technology advanced. On Feb. 17, 2026, detectives received a new DNA lab report from the CMPD Crime Laboratory containing updated findings from advanced testing of existing evidence. Based on those results, investigators obtained warrants charging Gales with first-degree murder.
Suspect Arrested and Family Notified
On Feb. 19, officers located and arrested Gales. He was taken to the Law Enforcement Center for questioning and will be transferred to the custody of the Mecklenburg County Sheriff’s Office. Police said Friedland’s family has been notified of the arrest as the case moves forward through the court system.
