Georgia Teen Dies After Stabbing at Walmart; Suspect Charged With Murder

Eighteen-year-old J.T. Schroeder was fatally stabbed at a Walmart in Chatham County, Georgia, on October 23, 2025, after allegedly kicking the shopping cart of 48-year-old Delano Middleton. Schroeder was rushed to the hospital and died days later. Middleton was charged with murder. Court records show Middleton has a prior history of violent offenses, including arrests for aggravated assault, battery, and weapons charges in 2021 and 2023.

The Incident

The confrontation occurred in the early evening at the Chatham County Walmart as Middleton was leaving with his cart. According to police, Schroeder kicked the cart as he passed, igniting a confrontation that escalated rapidly into a fatal stabbing. Schroeder was stabbed more than ten times, according to his father, who arrived at the scene to find his son gravely injured. Middleton was apprehended at or near the scene.

Schroeder’s father told reporters his son never started trouble and only reacted when confronted. Friends described Schroeder as kind, non-confrontational, and irreplaceable. His family found some solace in his decision to be an organ donor.

Charges and Community Response

Delano Middleton was charged with murder and booked into the Chatham County Detention Center. The Chatham County Police Department confirmed the investigation was ongoing at the time of initial reporting.

Friends and community members mourned Schroeder publicly. His best friend Gavin Pitts described him as “unlike anyone else” they had met. A hero walk was held to honor his memory.

References: 18-Year-Old Was Killed at Walmart Allegedly for Kicking a Man’s Shopping Cart: Police | Chatham County: Arrest made after teen fatally stabbed at Walmart