Background: News footage of the scene in Whitemarsh Island, Ga. where J.T. Schroeder was stabbed on Oct. 23 (WTOC). Inset (left): Delano Middleton (Chatham County Detention Center). Inset (right): J.T. Schroeder (GoFundMe).

The confrontation occurred on October 23 when Middleton, as reported by authorities, was exiting the Walmart store. As he was leaving, J.T. Schroeder, the young victim, allegedly kicked Middleton’s shopping cart while walking past. This minor altercation quickly intensified, resulting in Middleton allegedly stabbing Schroeder multiple times.

Despite being rushed to the hospital, Schroeder succumbed to his injuries the following day. The tragic death has been confirmed by a GoFundMe page set up in his memory.

Witnesses present during the altercation provided crucial accounts to the police. Local ABC affiliate WJCL highlighted that Middleton, at the time of the incident, was on probation and had a history of arrests for violent crimes. This background has raised questions about the circumstances leading to the altercation and the broader implications of his release.

In the wake of his son’s untimely death, Schroeder’s father shared poignant reflections with WJCL, describing his son as non-confrontational unless provoked. Recalling the harrowing moment he arrived at the scene, he said, “I got over there as fast as I could and saw blood everywhere. He was literally stabbed over 10 times until he finally bled out and died.”

Schroeder’s father told WJCL that his son “was never, ever confrontational unless he was confronted first.” He described what happened when he got the call that his son had been attacked at Walmart, saying, “I got over there as fast as I could and saw blood everywhere. He was literally stabbed over 10 times until he finally bled out and died.”

WJCL reported that Schroeder was an organ donor. He was taken off life support on Oct. 24.

Middleton was charged with murder and is currently in custody at the Chatham County Detention Center.