Accident – Death – Obituary News : In a tragic turn of events, the Toccoa City Police Department is currently investigating a fatal shooting that took place in the early hours of this morning in Toccoa, Georgia.
**Details of the Incident**
According to a press release issued by Police Chief Jimmy Mize, officers were dispatched to Ruby Street at around 4:50 a.m. in response to a report of a physical domestic incident. Upon arrival, they encountered a female, later identified as Leshia Chantavia Thornton, sitting in a vehicle in the driveway with Christopher Howell, who was identified as a witness. Inside the residence, officers found an unresponsive male, later identified as Eric King, who was pronounced dead at the scene.
**Georgia Bureau of Investigation Involvement**
The Toccoa Police Department reached out to the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) to assist with processing the crime scene and conducting interviews. Lt. Hamp Cross of the Toccoa PD Crime Investigation Division stated that involving the GBI in such cases is standard procedure.
**Arrest and Charges**
Following the incident, Thornton was arrested and charged with malice murder. She was transported to Stephens County Jail and handed over to jail staff for processing. King’s body was released to the coroner for transportation to the crime lab for an autopsy.
**Relationship Between Thornton and King**
Lt. Cross confirmed that Thornton and King had a relationship and shared a child. He mentioned that there were no previous reports of domestic violence at the Ruby Street address, which was King’s residence. Thornton did not live at the residence.
**Public Safety**
Cross reassured the public that the gun used in the shooting had been recovered and that there was no ongoing danger to the community related to the incident.
The investigation into this tragic event is ongoing, and the Toccoa City Police Department is working diligently to gather all necessary information. Our thoughts are with the families and loved ones affected by this heartbreaking incident..