Ellijay, GA – On Thursday, July 20, 2017 at approximately 4:00 AM, the Georgia Bureau of Investigation was requested by the Gilmer County Sheriff’s Office to assist with a death investigation.  At approximately 3:30 AM, a 911 call for assistance in reference to a shooting was received by the Gilmer County 911 Center.  Deputies responded to a location near River Hill Rd. where they found Charles Patrick Thurman, 26, of Ellijay, deceased from an apparent gunshot wound.  The person responsible for shooting Thurman has been identified.  The shooting appears to be the result of a domestic dispute. 

On Wednesday, July, 26, 2017, Brenton Pastuszka, 27, of Ellijay, was arrested and charged with possession of methamphetamine and possession of a firearm during the commission of a crime.  These charges were taken as a result of the investigation into the shooting death of Charles Patrick Thurman. Pastuszka was the other person involved in the domestic dispute which resulted in Thurman’s death.  The investigation is still ongoing.  Upon the completion of the investigation it will be submitted to the District Attorney for review and prosecution.   

Kimberly Williams - Special Agent in Charge | Cleveland | 706-348-4866