Delano Middleton Fatally Stabs Teen J.T. Schroeder at Georgia Walmart After Cart Dispute — Victim Donates Organs as Attacker Was on Probation for Prior Stabbing

An 18-year-old Georgia teen, J.T. Schroeder, has died after being stabbed by 48-year-old Delano Middleton during a confrontation at a Walmart in Chatham County. Authorities say the violence began when Schroeder allegedly kicked Middleton’s shopping cart, sparking a brief altercation that turned deadly.

According to the Chatham County Police Department, officers responded to the store on October 23 after reports of a stabbing. Schroeder suffered multiple stab wounds and was taken to a nearby hospital, where he died four days later on October 27.

Court documents reveal that Delano Middleton was on probation at the time of the Walmart killing. In 2023, he pleaded guilty to aggravated assault connected to a 2021 stabbing of a woman. He was sentenced to two years in prison and eight years of probation but was released early with credit for time served. Following Schroeder’s death, prosecutors filed to revoke Middleton’s probation, and he now faces a murder charge. It is not yet known whether he has entered a plea.

Delano Middleton.

Schroeder’s father, also named J.T., told WJCL that the police account of his son kicking Middleton’s cart did not tell the full story. “My son was never, ever confrontational unless he was confronted first,” he said, describing his son as respectful and kind.

Even in death, J.T. Schroeder continued to help others. His family chose to donate his organs, giving new life to people in need. Staff at Memorial Health Hospital in Savannah held an honor walk as his body was taken to the operating room for organ donation. “Although losing J.T. was devastating, let this bring light to becoming an organ donor,” said Dr. James Dunne. “We rarely get the chance to save someone’s life, but this is one way to save many.”

18-Year-Old Was Killed at Walmart Allegedly for Kicking a Man's Shopping Cart: Police

18-Year-Old Was Killed at Walmart Allegedly for Kicking a Man's Shopping Cart: Police

A GoFundMe created by friends and family described J.T. as a compassionate and selfless young man whose final act of generosity reflected the kind of person he was.

The Savannah community remains stunned that Delano Middleton, with a violent criminal history, was still on probation when the fatal stabbing occurred. Police continue to investigate what led to the confrontation, while friends and family remember J.T. Schroeder for his kindness, generosity, and the life he gave to others even after his death.