Georgia Man Accused of Killing Teen at Walmart Had Previously Attacked Another Victim, Records Show
SAVANNAH, GEORGIA — A 48-year-old Georgia man charged with murdering a teenager at a Walmart last month reportedly has a history of violent assaults, including a previous stabbing incident that left another victim hospitalized, according to local authorities and media reports.
Delano Middleton, of Savannah, is accused of stabbing 18-year-old J.T. Schroeder multiple times during an altercation on October 23 at a Walmart on Wilmington Island. Schroeder later died from his injuries at a local hospital.
Deadly Confrontation Inside Walmart
Police say the violence began when Middleton was pushing a shopping cart out of the store, and Schroeder allegedly kicked the cart. Witnesses described a chaotic scene inside the store as Middleton pulled out a knife and repeatedly stabbed the teenager.
“I got there as fast as I could and saw blood everywhere,” Schroeder’s father told WJCL News. “He was literally stabbed over ten times until he finally bled out and died.”
Middleton fled the scene but was later taken into custody and charged with murder. He is currently being held without bond, according to Court TV, and is scheduled to appear in court on November 20.
Suspect Had Violent Past
New reports have revealed that this is not the first time Middleton has been accused of a brutal attack.
Erica Young, who spoke to WTOC, said Middleton attacked her four years ago while she was working at a U-Haul center.
“He came in, stole some keys, and pushed a cart on top of me,” Young said. “Then he stabbed me repeatedly and said he wanted to watch me bleed out.”
Young survived the assault, and Middleton was sentenced to two years in jail for that crime.
“I’d never met him before that day,” she added. “It was completely random.”
Community Calls for Accountability
The deadly Walmart stabbing has reignited local debate over repeat offenders and sentencing leniency in violent cases. Critics argue that Middleton’s prior conviction should have kept him behind bars longer, potentially preventing the fatal October attack.
Residents of Wilmington Island and Savannah have expressed shock over the violence and are calling for stronger protections against known violent offenders.
Authorities confirmed that Middleton faces a murder charge and additional weapon-related offenses, though investigators have not disclosed whether mental health issues played a role.
As the community continues to mourn J.T. Schroeder’s death, local advocates are urging state officials to revisit policies that allow violent offenders early release. For continuing updates on this case and other crime reports, visit ChicagoMusicGuide.com.