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🌱 Patch AM: What the jury decided in the high-profile Savannah manslaughter case

Happening soon: Candlelight: Queen vs. ABBA on the Savannah Patch calendar

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Sunday December 21st Patch AM
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Morning Savannah! We've got the scoop on the latest happenings in town. Read on to get looped in. ☀️

In today's newsletter:

  • What the jury decided in the high-profile Savannah manslaughter case
  • Who killed 17-year-old TJ in Bloomingdale, and who knows something?
  • How a Savannah pilot’s final Army flight unfolded from thousands of miles away

Also on today's calendar: Candlelight: Queen vs. ABBA and 5 more events.

Find out what's happening in Savannahfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Today's riddle: What did the balloon say to the doctor? 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

Find out what's happening in Savannahfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

  • Sunday: Plenty of sunshine, with a high of 68 and low of 47 degrees.
  • Monday: Plenty of sunshine, temps: high: 61, low: 47.
  • Tuesday: Partly sunny and pleasant, with a high of 73 and low of 54 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. Jury finds Charles Teeple guilty of involuntary manslaughter, other charges (wtoc.com) — A Savannah jury has found Charles Teeple IV guilty of battery, exploitation of an elder, and two counts of involuntary manslaughter in the death of local resident Bruce Helmly. Jurors deliberated for several hours before returning lesser convictions than the original felony murder charges, after hearing conflicting arguments about whether a punch directly caused Helmly’s death.
   

2. 'You took somebody who was loved': Grieving mother seeks answers after 17-year-old son killed in Bloomingdale (wtoc.com) — A Savannah-based report details a mother’s anguish after her 17-year-old son, Antonio “TJ” Thornton Jr., was found dead outside a Bloomingdale apartment complex, with no arrests yet made. Investigators from the GBI are handling the case, TJ’s body is at the Pooler crime lab, and authorities are urging anyone with information to contact Bloomingdale Police or the GBI tip line.
   

3. Savannah-based Army pilot takes final flight in Poland before retirement (wjcl.com) — A Savannah-based Apache pilot from Hunter Army Airfield has taken his final flight in Poland, wrapping up a 19-year Army aviation career while his family watched live from home in Savannah. Chief Warrant Officer 4 Alan King credits Savannah’s people and golf scene with shaping his life and plans to stay in the Southeast after his July 1 retirement.
   

4. Today in History: December 21, Pan Am Flight 103 bombing over Lockerbie (texarkanagazette.com) — Savannah gets a notable mention today as the anniversary of Union Gen. William T. Sherman’s capture of the city in 1864, ending his infamous March to the Sea. The historical roundup also recalls the Pan Am Flight 103 bombing, early basketball, the first crossword puzzle, and other major world events that share this December 21 date.
   

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • At only 4 weeks old, Buddy and Mini, along with two more of their siblings, were separated from their feral mother cat.
    Fortunately, after being alone and scared for nearly three days, all the kittens were rescued and placed with a caring foster family, through Pooler… (Nextdoor Stonebridge at Berwick)
  • Good morning.
    I was just diagnosed with advanced liver disease and I feel lost. Is there anyone out there that is or has been dealing with this? I have no one to… (Nextdoor Largo Woods)
  • SPD Badge Pinning and Promotion Ceremony (12/19/2025) #teamsavannah #savannahga #savannahpd (X: SavPolice)
  • Congratulations to A. E. Beach High School graduate, Wilmer Ruiz! He has achieved a significant milestone by becoming a paramedic in the state of... (X: SCCPSS)
  • Owens Reality Services posted a job opening for Day Porter in Savannah. Apply here.
  • American Cruise Lines posted a job opening for Housekeeper in Savannah. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Savannah here.

Ok Savannah! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!

-- The Patch AM Team

P.S. The answer to today's riddle: I feel lightheaded!
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