GBI Investigating Fatal Shooting in Toccoa

The Toccoa Police Department is currently probing a deadly shooting that took place in the early hours of Tuesday, March 5. A distress call led officers to Ruby Street, where they encountered Ieshia Chantavia Thornton, 33, and Christopher Howell, 33, inside a vehicle. Upon entering a nearby house, they discovered the deceased, Eric King, 51. Thornton was subsequently apprehended and charged with premeditated murder.

Lt. Hamp Cross of the Toccoa PD Crime Investigation Division stated that it’s routine to request assistance from the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) for crime scene processing and interview conduction in such cases…

Cross verified a connection between Thornton and King, suggesting they have a child together. He clarified that there were no prior domestic violence calls from the Ruby Street address, which was King’s residence, and that Thornton did not live there.

Cross also confirmed that the firearm used in the shooting has been retrieved, assuring that there is no continuing threat to the public in connection with this incident. The GBI is providing support in the ongoing investigation.