Delano Middleton is an alleged killer from Georgia who has been charged with the murder of eighteen year old J.T. Schroeder which started at a Walmart
According to police reports J.T. Schroeder was leaving a Walmart in Chatham County when he kicked a shopping cart being pushed by Delano Middleton. An argument would take place with Middleton pulling out a knife and stabbing the teen multiple times. J.T Schroeder would later die from his injuries
Police were able to track down Delano Middleton a week later and now he is facing murder charges
Delano Middleton News
One week after an 18-year-old was stabbed to death outside a Chatham County Walmart, police have made an arrest in the case — bringing a grieving family one step closer to justice.
The Chatham County Police Department confirmed Thursday that 48-year-old Delano Middleton has been charged with murder in connection with the deadly stabbing of J.T. Schroeder.
The incident happened on October 23 at the Walmart on Highway 80. Police said a confrontation began when a man was leaving the store with a shopping cart and Schroeder kicked it as he passed by — a brief encounter that escalated into violence.
At the time, police said both men and several witnesses were questioned. On Monday, investigators confirmed Schroeder had died from his injuries.
But for his father, that version of events doesn’t tell the full story.
“My son was never, ever confrontational unless he was confronted first,” Schroeder’s father told WJCL 22 News.
He described the moments he arrived at the scene after getting the call no parent ever wants.
“I got over there as fast as I could and saw blood everywhere. He was literally stabbed over ten times until he finally bled out and died.”
When WJCL 22’s Tia Maggio visited the family Thursday, she was there as they learned the suspect had been arrested. Tears and applause filled the room.
Court records show Middleton has a violent criminal history, including prior arrests for aggravated assault, battery, and weapons charges in 2021 and 2023.
Since the attack, Schroeder had been on life support as friends and loved ones surrounded him — wearing shirts, stickers, and bracelets in his memory.
“There will be nobody that can be like J.T.,” best friend Gavin Pitts said,” He was so different. I don’t think I’ll ever meet anybody like him again.”
“He loved everyone,” girlfriend Sienna Reiter added. “Every single person in this room – he would die for them.”
As the family prepares to say goodbye, Schroeder’s father says his son’s legacy will live on through others. His father tells WJCL 22 his son is an organ donor and will have his hero’s walk Friday before donating his organs.
Middleton is currently being held at the Chatham County Detention Center.
Man charged with murder after stabbing at Chatham County Walmart
