(Photo by Erik McGregor/LightRocket via Getty Images)
Roommates, what started as a regular shopping trip in Georgia has now turned into a heartbreaking story thats left a community in shock. Authorities say 48-year-old Delano Middleton is behind bars after a violent altercation at a Walmart ended with the death of an 18-year-old young man all reportedly over something as small as a kicked shopping cart.
According to police, the tragic incident unfolded on October 23 at the Walmart in Whitemarsh Island, just outside Savannah. Investigators say Middleton was leaving the store when J.T. Schroeder, 18, allegedly kicked Middletons shopping cart while walking past him. What shouldve been a moment easily brushed off quickly spiraled out of control witnesses told officers that an argument broke out, and it ended with Middleton allegedly stabbing Schroeder multiple times in front of shocked shoppers.
Schroeder was rushed to the hospital but sadly didnt make it. His father later spoke to WJCL, saying he arrived at the scene to find blood everywhere. Through tears, he described his son as never, ever confrontational unless he was confronted first. The young man fought for his life overnight before being taken off life support on October 24. Schroeders family says he was an organ donor, giving life to others even in death.
“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,” his father shared.
As for Middleton, records show this wasnt his first run-in with the law. WJCL reports he has a long history of arrests for violent crimes and was out on probation when the stabbing occurred. Police arrested him a week later, charging him with murder. Hes currently being held at the Chatham County Detention Center, where he awaits his next court appearance.
