On February 13, 2023, 37-year-old Alison "Ali" Thia Thomas was last seen on Flint Ridge Road in Union County, North Carolina. She was reported missing to the Union County Sheriff's Office (UCSO) on February 17, prompting an extensive search by family members and detectives. Tragically, on March 5, her body was discovered along a dirt road in the Nantahala National Forest in Jackson County, over 200 miles from her home. Authorities quickly determined her death to be a homicide.
The investigation led to the arrest of five individuals connected to Thomas's death. On March 21, 2023, UCSO announced the arrests of:
- **Michael Kasminoff**, 51, of Monroe, charged with first-degree murder, first-degree kidnapping, conspiracy to commit murder, and conspiracy to commit kidnapping.
- **Brandon Kisiah**, 27, of Monroe, charged with conspiracy to commit murder.
- **Amanda Griffin**, 42, of Monroe, charged with conspiracy to commit murder.
Subsequently, on March 23, 2023, **Shawn Adkins**, 29, of Hinton, West Virginia, was arrested and charged with conspiracy to commit murder.
The final arrest occurred on March 31, 2023, when **William Mulenex**, 39, of Brevard, North Carolina, was apprehended and charged with first-degree murder and conspiracy to commit first-degree murder.
Alison Thomas was a beloved mother of two daughters, known for her bright smile and cheerful personality. Her unexpected death has deeply affected her family and the community. A Celebration of Life service was held on March 23, 2023, at Pinedale Christian Church in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, where family and friends gathered to honor her memory.
The Union County Sheriff's Office continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding Thomas's death. They urge anyone with additional information to contact Union County Crime Stoppers at 704-283-5600.
