When prosecutors reopened the investigation into Franklin Bonner’s 2009 murder, Angel Bumpass emerged as the key suspect. Her fingerprints matched those taken from the tape used to bind Bonner to a kitchen table. Bumpass was convicted in 2019 of first-degree murder. However, following a retrial, Judge Amanda Dunn dismissed the case, freeing Bumpass. 

Angel Bumpass is living with her two daughters in Kentucky; she is thankful for the support she received

After the dismissal of her case, Bumpass said she felt happy and blessed. She stated that she’s living in Kentucky with her two daughters and trying to rebuild. Bumpass also thanked the thousands of people who believed in and fought for her innocence. She stated, per WDEF:

“I’m grateful for everybody who has supported me, I appreciate everybody who has supported me and everybody who is continuing to support me. I am grateful for the entire experience. I feel blessed. Everything was very stressful, but I’m just trying to get back to my normal life.”

Bumpass is active on Facebook, where she posts personal and professional updates. Her recent posts advertise her expertise in filing taxes. “I’ve got the expertise to handle your taxes with precision and care. Trust me to navigate the complexities. Let’s make tax season stress-free together,” a mid-December 2023 post reads. 

Hamilton County DA Coty Wamp said the investigation into Franklin Bonner’s murder would continue. The dismissal of Bumpass’ case was without prejudice, meaning the DA can file new charges against her. However, DA Wamp stated she’s convinced of Bumpass’ innocence:

“As hard as it has been to explain this to the family to Franklin Bonner, the State believes, and I believe, in the deepest part of my soul, that Ms. Bumpass serving a lifetime sentence for this offense is not justice.”

William Massey, Bumpass’ attorney, said he was surprised by the dismissal. “We were getting ready to go to trial,” he said outside the courtroom. In her dismissal of the case, Judge Amanda Dunn thanked the attorneys for working together to free an innocent woman. She said, per the Chattanooga Times Free Press:

“The motto of the Tennessee judiciary, which I don’t speak Latin, but the English translation of it is, ‘Let justice be done, though the sky may fall’. I am very grateful that I get to work with attorneys who believe that justice is the pursuit, always, and so with that being said, I will grant the motion to dismiss counts one and two, and this matter will be dismissed.”