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Simultaneously, Augusta police investigated Captain Harris’s actions. On September 10th, an official report acknowledged Harris accepted $10,000 bribe, illegally closed investigation, and destroyed materials. Posthumously, all awards were stripped from Harris. The department issued official apologies. On March 15th, 2016, exactly one year after remains discovery, Viven held a press conference with Davis and Johnson.
Viven spoke slowly, barely holding tears. Her daughters died in March 1985. Kendra died instantly. Kiara may have been alive after being hit. The examiner found signs possibly indicating strangulation, but after 30 years could not say for certain.
Collins refused to answer if Kiara was alive when he arrived. The law could not force answers or imprisonment due to time and lack of proof. But Viven knew the truth. Everyone in that courtroom knew. Her daughter might have survived.
She was 17 with life ahead. Perhaps dying, perhaps beyond saving. But even that chance was taken. For 30 years, Viven did not know where her children were. A corrupt officer closed the case for money.
Two men dumped her girls’ bodies in a mine like garbage. There would be no justice, no prison, but truth was known. Viven thanked Davis and Johnson. She wanted everyone to know the names: James Collins, Leon Walker, Charles Harris. These three stole her children’s lives and 30 years of hers.
Let their names be remembered. Remains were buried March 20th at Cedar Grove Cemetery. Hundreds attended. The headstone read Kendra Thompson, Kiara Thompson, 1968 to 1985. Sisters, Daughters, Stolen Lives.
Truth prevailed after 30 years. Davis published articles in Augusta Chronicle titled “What They Concealed: 30 Years of Lies.” His work was reprinted by major papers. CNN produced a documentary. In November, Davis received Georgia Journalism Award for investigative reporting.
Collins lived in Atlanta, no longer giving interviews. His children stopped speaking to him. Neighbors avoided him. Collins never confessed, but never denied. The case became one of Georgia’s most discussed, not because the guilty went to prison, but because one question remained unanswered.
Was Kiara Thompson alive when Collins arrived? The law said, “We do not know.” The examiner said he could not say for certain. Collins remained silent, but a mother