An 18-year-old Georgia resident has died days after being stabbed during an altercation at a Walmart on Wilmington Island, with a 48-year-old suspect now charged with murder. The incident, which authorities say began as a dispute in the store’s exit area, has prompted an outpouring of grief from the victim’s family and friends as the case moves through the courts.
According to the Chatham County Police Department and reporting from People, the victim, identified as J.T. Schroeder, was stabbed on October 23 and later succumbed to his injuries. Police say Delano Middleton was arrested in connection with the attack and faces a murder charge, per Chatham County court records.
Authorities allege the confrontation occurred as Middleton was leaving the Walmart. The encounter escalated quickly and ended with Schroeder suffering multiple stab wounds and lacerations, police said.
What Police Say Happened
In an initial statement, the Chatham County Police Department said the altercation began when Schroeder kicked Middleton’s shopping cart as the older man was exiting the store. The exchange reportedly escalated into violence, and officers later found Schroeder with multiple serious injuries. He was transported for medical care but died days later, officials confirmed.
Law enforcement has not released additional details about what immediately preceded the altercation or what was said between those involved. The investigation remains active, and authorities have not publicly indicated whether surveillance footage or additional witness accounts will be part of the case.
As the inquiry continues, police have emphasized that the arrest followed their preliminary findings, with further information expected to surface through court proceedings.
Family And Friends Remember J.T. Schroeder
Schroeder’s father, also named J.T., told local outlet WJCL that the brief police description of the incident does not capture the full context, asserting that his son was not someone who sought confrontation. "My son was never, ever confrontational unless he was confronted first," he said, recalling the moment he learned his son had been stabbed.
He described arriving at the scene in the aftermath. "I got over there as fast as I could and saw blood everywhere," he said. "He was literally stabbed over ten times until he finally bled out and died."
Friends have likewise remembered Schroeder as a distinctive, kind presence. Best friend Gavin Pitts told WJCL there "will be nobody that can be like J.T." and added, "He was so different. I don’t think I’ll ever meet anybody like him again."
In the wake of the tragedy, a GoFundMe page organized by family friend Kathryn Jones was created to help Schroeder’s loved ones cover medical expenses accrued during his hospital stay. On the page, Jones describes knowing Schroeder’s father and calls him a "devoted Dad who has worked hard to raise his boys with love and purpose."
Charges, Prior Record, And What Comes Next
Middleton has been charged with murder, according to Chatham County court records. As of the latest updates, it was not immediately clear whether he has entered a plea, and no attorney was listed for him in publicly available records.
Court documents reviewed by WJCL indicate Middleton has prior arrests from 2021 and 2023, including aggravated assault, battery, and weapons-related charges. Those cases are separate from the current allegations.
While investigators have outlined an initial timeline for the October 23 incident, more details are likely to emerge through the legal process. The charging decision signals that prosecutors believe there is probable cause to proceed, but as with any criminal case, the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.
Walmart locations typically maintain security cameras near entry and exit points, and such footage can sometimes become a factor in cases like this; however, authorities have not publicly disclosed whether any recordings have been obtained or reviewed. The Chatham County Police Department has not provided further comment beyond its initial statement.
For Schroeder’s family and friends, the focus remains on honoring his memory and seeking accountability. The GoFundMe effort underscores the unexpected medical costs the family shouldered in the days between the stabbing and Schroeder’s passing, while community members continue to share tributes and memories.
The fatal incident has resonated beyond Wilmington Island, amplifying conversations around de-escalation and the ways routine encounters can turn deadly. While the specifics of this case will be weighed in court, those who knew Schroeder are asking the public to remember the 18-year-old for the life he lived rather than the violence that ended it.
As the investigation moves forward, further updates from authorities and the courts are expected. In the meantime, the community is mourning a young life lost and watching closely as the case against Middleton proceeds.
