Malice Murder, Crimes against Children included in April Grand Jury Indictments

A charge of malice murder, which by legal definition indicates premeditation, as well as several cases of crimes against children, were included in the 25 indictments handed down by the Stephens County Grand Jury on April 15. Cases heard by Grand Jurors that resulted in indictments included five violent crimes, including malice murder, rape and aggravated assault charges, two cases of crimes against children; seven cases involving charges of theft or burglary, including one armed robbery charge; seven cases involving charges of fleeing or obstructing an officer, five cases dealing with drug-related crimes, including one trafficking case and one charge of violation of the street gang terrorism ad prevention act.

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Ieshia Chantavia Thornton was indicted on one count malice murder, one count felony murder, one count aggravated assault, and one count possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony.

According to the indictment, the charges stem from incidents that occurred in March of this year, when Thornton allegedly shot Eric Trumane King. 

As reported by WNEG News  at approximately 4:50 a.m. yesterday morning, March 5, the Toccoa Police Department was dispatched to Ruby Street in reference to a report of a physical domestic incident. 

Upon arrival at the scene, officers made contact with a female later identified as Leshia Chantavia Thornton, 33, of Toccoa, who was sitting in a vehicle in the driveway, along with Christopher Howell, 33, of Toccoa. 

After making entry into the residence, officers discovered an unresponsive male subject. The male was later identified as Eric King, 51, of Toccoa. King was pronounced dead on the scene.

Thornton was arrested and charged with malice murder and was transported to Stephens County Jail, where she was turned over to jail staff.