Community supports family of teen killed in Bloomingdale shooting as tributes pour in; GoFundMe raising funds for ceremony

BLOOMINGDALE, Ga. (WTOC) - The Bloomingdale community is still shaken after a 17-year-old was shot and killed outside an apartment complex early Sunday morning.

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.

TJ’s family describes his death as an immeasurable loss.

“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.”

Thornton was an honor student at Archer High School, where he played basketball and was active in his church.

See previous coverage with TJ’s family: www.wtoc.com/2025/12/19/you-took-somebody-who-was-loved-grieving-mother-seeks-answers-after-17-year-old-son-killed-bloomingdale/

His family says he also helped his mother run her business and was preparing to graduate in the coming weeks.

Archer High School shared a tribute to Thornton on its school page, writing in part, “Seniors, as we count down the months until graduation, our class is carrying a heavy heart. We want to take a moment to remember Antonio Thornton Jr., a senior who was supposed to walk across the stage with us. Antonio’s absence is already felt in the halls, in classrooms, and by everyone who knew him. Antonio was truly loved by so many at our school. Even though he won’t be here on graduation day, he will always be part of our class. We hold his family, friends, and everyone who loved him close in our thoughts as we continue this journey together.”

The Georgia Bureau of Investigation has taken over the case from the Bloomingdale PD. As of Sunday night, no arrests have been announced. Investigators say the case remains active.

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. So far, more than $3,200 has been donated.

Here is a link to the GoFundMe. Anyone with information about the shooting is urged to submit a tip anonymously to Bloomingdale Police or to the GBI through its anonymous tip line.

GBI Tip Line: You can call 1-800-597-8477 to submit anonymous tips to the Georgia Bureau of Investigation about this case or any other information you may have. You can also submit tips online via the GBI website or through the “See Something, Send Something” mobile app. (GBI Investigative Division)

Bloomingdale, Georgia Police Department: You can contact 912-748-8302. (Bloomingdale Police Department)