MONROE, N.C. — All of the suspects accused of participating in a Union County mother's murder and kidnapping had court appearances Monday.
Alison Thomas, 37, was reported missing from Flint Ridge Road in February. Weeks later, authorities found her body hours away in the woods of Jackson County.
Michael Kasminoff, Brandon Kisiah, Amanda Griffin, Shawn Adkins, and William Mulenex are all charged with first degree murder in Thomas' death.
“We're still trying to determine why that location, why Jackson County, instead of just, you know, right next door," Lt. James Maye, a Union County Sheriff's Office spokesman, said. "We're still working to determine the motive, and why the suspects did what they did.”
While the motive is unclear, investigators have learned more about what may have happened the night Thomas disappeared.
"We believe she lived at the home on Flint Ridge Road, temporarily. That's where she was living... It appears that she may have been inside cooking a meal when all of this happened," Lt. Maye said. "She did know a few of the people that we've arrested…. I don't think she knew what their intentions were, obviously, or she would not have let them into the home.”
While cameras were not allowed in the courtroom, the Union County District Attorney's Office tells WCNC Charlotte the suspect's cases are expected to be presented to a grand jury Monday, May 1.
“These individuals are truly violent," Lt. Maye said, "and their actions, you know, took a mother from her children, it took a daughter from a father, it took a sister from a brother. And, you know, we want to make sure these people stay behind bars.”
As the investigation continues, more arrests are possible. Anyone with information should contact the Union County Sheriff's Office at 704-283-3789 or Union County Crime Stoppers at (704) 283-5600.
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