16-year-old charged in death of 17-year-old visiting family in Savannah

SAVANNAH, Ga. (WTOC) - An arrest has been made in the death of a teenager who was visiting family in Savannah from just north of Atlanta.

The GBI has arrested and charged Franklin Leonard James Jr., age 16, of Savannah, GA, with Felony Murder, Aggravated Assault, Armed Robbery, Possession of Firearm During Commission of a Felony, Possession of Firearm During Commission of a Felony, and Possession of a Firearm by a Person Under the Age of 18.

James was booked into the Savannah Regional Youth Detention Center (RYDC) and is being charged as an adult.

Because of that, a mug shot will not be immediately available for James Jr.

James Jr. is charged with the murder of Antonio Thornton Jr., who was killed in Bloomingdale two weeks ago.

Antonio Thornton Jr., known to his family and friends as “TJ,” was visiting Bloomingdale from Gwinnett County when investigators say he was found shot outside in the complex. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

We interviewed Tj’s mother about the loss of her firstborn, her only son, and her best friend. You can find that interview here.

“He planned on going to school to be an engineer,” his mother, Tyesha Abdullah, said. “Now my baby can’t walk across the stage. He can’t go to school. He’s not going to get married. I’m never going to hear from my baby again.”

Today his family held a Graduation Homegoing Ceremony in his honor. Coverage of that ceremony will air tonight on WTOC at 6, 7, and 11 p.m.

In the meantime, a GoFundMe has been created to help cover the costs of TJ’s homegoing service. His mother says she is grateful for the overwhelming support the family has received.