Man accused in Whitemarsh Island teen’s Walmart stabbing pleads not guilty, requests jury trial

SAVANNAH, Ga. (WTOC) - WTOC is following the latest in the murder case involving a teenage boy who was stabbed to death outside the Walmart on Whitemarsh Island.

The man accused in the killing, Delano Middleton, appeared in court Wednesday morning where he pleaded not guilty to felony murder and additional charges. Middleton also requested a jury trial.

The stabbing happened in October. Prosecutors say Middleton is facing seven total counts, including felony murder. He is also charged with aggravated assault, aggravated battery, and possession of a knife during the commission of a felony.

Middleton and his defense attorney raised concerns about media coverage inside the courtroom. Chief Judge Morse granted media access to record the proceedings, but only from a media room viewing the hearing on a television monitor. Due to technical difficulties with the court’s TV and audio, WTOC was unable to obtain video from the hearing.

Inside the courtroom, a large group of family members and friends of J.T. Schroeder — the teen who died from stab wounds — attended the hearing.

Middleton is expected to return to court on April 27.