Midtown Murder Victim's Fiancé: Case May Warrant Death Penalty For Killer

The fiancé of the woman found bludgeoned to death in a midtown Atlanta luxury apartment told WSB-TV Channel 2 Friday he believes the case may warrant the death penalty for the killer.

Charles Beaudrot found the body of Dr. Eugenia Calle, 57, in her condo Tuesday at the Aqua Midtown. The two were engaged to be married.

Police arrested 22-year-old Jamal Thompson, also known as Shamal Thompson, Thursday in connection with the killing after he allegedly used one of Calle's credit cards to buy a $400 watch, clothes and shoes. Investigators also said Thompson tried to return to Calle's condo, using her card key, but was turned away by security guards at the building.

Beaudrot told WSB-TV Channel 2 reporter Tom Jones that Calle's killing is "a nightmare, when am I going to wake up?"

When asked about the death penalty for Calle's killer he told Jones, "If it's proven I cannot think of a better case to support capital punishment. Justice has to be administered swiftly and efficiently."

WSB-TV has learned that Thompson was out of jail after being in court in DeKalb County last year on a burglary charge.

Prosecutors in that case wanted Thompson to serve one year in jail, but DeKalb County Superior Court Judge Cynthia Becker sentenced Thompson to six months, but then suspended that sentence and released him since he had been held for nearly two months.

During the sentencing hearing Thompson claimed he was operating a Web site called Kenadore Couture Bridal Boutique that sells bridal gowns.

The Kenadore Couture Bridal Boutique Web site lists a S.J. Thompson as the in-house designer.

Judge Becker cited the Web site and the "beautiful designs" on the site as part of the reason for the light sentence she gave Thompson in the burglary case.

Police said a chance encounter between Thompson and Calle in the lobby of the luxury midtown Atlanta condo building led to the death of Calle, a prominent cancer researcher.

LORI GEARY: Cancer Researcher's Accused Killer Returned To Crime Scene

Investigators told WSB-TV Channel 2 reporter Lori Geary that Thompson was in the lobby of the building with a real estate agent when Calle happened by.

She told Thompson she was selling her unit and Thompson made arrangements to visit the condo.

Police said when he arrived Thompson robbed Calle and hit her in the head so hard he killed her.

Thompson told police he pushed Called, but she hit her head on a counter and he dragged her body into a kitchen pantry.

Authorities said Thompson was arrested and charged Thursday morning when he was tracked down in southwest Atlanta after using one of Calle's credit cards to buy a $400 watch, clothes and shoes.

He also stole Calle's engagement ring from her hand, according to investigators.

Police said Thompson also stole her key card to the condo building and used it to get back into the building, but was turned away by security guards.

Investigators believe Thompson planned to steal more items from Calle's condo.

The victim's fiancé told investigators he found the body of Calle in her penthouse apartment.

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"There did appear to be some signs of a struggle," Lt. Keith Meadows told WSB-TV Channel 2 reporter Ryan Young.

TOM REGAN: Woman's Body Found In Midtown High-Rise

Meadows said he believed the victim died from "blunt force trauma" to the head. She may have been dead up to 12 hours before her body was found at 11 p.m. Tuesday.

Calle was a physician and a cancer researcher, who has been the director of Analytic Epidemiology for the American Cancer Society since 1994. She was also an adjunct professor in Epidemiology at Emory University.

Calle made great contributions in the medical field, including ground-breaking research that linked cancer with obesity, according to co-workers.

Calle was engaged to be married and she and her fiancé were selling her high-rise luxury apartment.