by SAVANNAH, Ga. — An 18-year-old Georgia teen who was fatally stabbed following an altercation at a Walmart has left a lasting legacy by donating his organs, while the suspect in the case faces scrutiny over his criminal history.
Altercation at Walmart Turns Deadly
J.T. Schroeder, 18, was stabbed on October 23 after authorities say he kicked a man’s shopping cart inside a Walmart, according to the Chatham County Police Department. Schroeder succumbed to his injuries four days later, on October 27, leaving family and friends devastated.
Delano Middleton, 48, was arrested and charged with murder in connection with the fatal stabbing. It remains unclear whether Middleton has entered a plea.
Schroeder’s father, also named J.T., told WJCL that the official account did not fully reflect what happened.
“My son was never, ever confrontational unless he was confronted first,” he said, emphasizing his son’s generally peaceful nature.
Suspect’s Prior Criminal Record
Middleton has a documented criminal history. In 2023, he pleaded guilty to aggravated assault, stemming from a 2021 incident in which he allegedly stabbed a woman multiple times. Court records reviewed by PEOPLE show that the victim, Erica Young, was stabbed four times after Middleton shoved a shopping cart over her.
Middleton received a two-year prison sentence for the 2021 assault, including credit for time served, and was subsequently released. The revelation of his prior conviction has prompted questions about public safety and criminal oversight, as well as how past violent offenders are monitored following release.
Teen Becomes Lifesaving Hero
Despite the tragedy, Schroeder’s family found a measure of hope in his organ donation, which has given life to multiple recipients. Memorial Health hospital staff in Savannah held an honor walk as Schroeder’s body was transported to the operating room to save others through organ donation.
Dr. James Dunne, who oversaw the process, praised Schroeder’s contribution.
“Although losing J.T. was devastating, let this bring light to becoming an organ donor,” he said. “So if there’s one message I want to communicate to the community, it’s to please consider that. We don’t get, as individuals, a chance to save someone’s life. But this is one way in which we all can save multiple lives.”
Community Reacts
The teen’s death has sparked an outpouring of grief and reflection from friends, family, and the local community. A GoFundMe established in Schroeder’s name emphasizes his generosity and bright spirit, with supporters noting that his final act of organ donation continues to inspire others.
Authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the Walmart altercation and are reviewing surveillance footage and witness statements to determine the exact sequence of events leading up to the stabbing.
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Middleton remains in custody pending further legal proceedings. The case has drawn attention to both gun and knife violence in public spaces and the ongoing debate over how the criminal justice system manages previously convicted violent offenders.
Remembering J.T. Schroeder
For Schroeder’s family, the tragedy is tempered by his legacy of helping others through organ donation, a decision that has saved multiple lives despite the circumstances of his death.
“Even in the midst of this heartbreak, J.T. has given the gift of life to others,” his father said. “We want his story to remind people about kindness, courage, and the importance of organ donation.”
If you want to honor J.T. Schroeder’s memory and help raise awareness about organ donation, consider signing up to become an organ donor today. Every registration can help save lives and create a lasting impact.
