Bloomingdale, Ga. — The Loganville community is mourning the tragic loss of 17-year-old Antonio Thornton Jr., who was fatally shot early Sunday morning, December 14, in Bloomingdale, according to authorities.
The Georgia Bureau of Investigation reported that Chatham County 911 received a call at approximately 7:43 a.m. about a body found outside the Magnolia Lane Apartments along U.S. Highway 80. Officers with the Bloomingdale Police Department responded to the scene and discovered Thornton suffering from a gunshot wound. Despite emergency response efforts, he was pronounced dead at the scene.
Investigators have not yet released details regarding the circumstances surrounding the shooting, including the exact time the incident occurred. Thornton’s body has been transported to the GBI Crime Lab in Pooler, where an autopsy will be conducted to determine the official cause and manner of death.
No arrests have been announced in connection with the shooting. Authorities are urging anyone with information to come forward. Tips can be provided to the Bloomingdale Police Department at 912-748-8302, the GBI Regional Investigative Office in Statesboro at 912-871-1121, or anonymously through the tip line at 1-800-597-TIPS (8477).
Thornton’s death, coming just days before Christmas, has deeply impacted his family, friends, and the wider community. Loved ones are remembering him as a young life taken far too soon, as the community comes together to grieve and support one another during this difficult time.