In the early morning hours of March 5, 2024, a 911 call from a Ruby Street residence in Toccoa, Georgia, led officers to find 51-year-old Eric King with a fatal gunshot wound. Officers arrived about 4:50 a.m.; by then King was unresponsive and was pronounced dead at the scene. The Georgia Bureau of Investigation assisted the Toccoa Police Department as investigators focused on a domestic dispute as the catalyst for the shooting.

Police found 33-year-old Ieshia Chantavia Thornton and 33-year-old Christopher Howell sitting in a vehicle in the driveway. Howell was identified as a witness. Thornton, who did not live at the Ruby Street home but reportedly had a relationship with King and shared a child with him, was arrested and charged with malice murder; the firearm used in the shooting was recovered and authorities said there was no further danger to the public. The investigation remains ongoing.

If anyone knew Eric King, Ieshia Thornton, Christopher Howell, or was in the area that morning, please share what you know with Toccoa police.