WTOC Exclusive: Family, friends hold celebration of life for teen killed last month in stabbing at Hwy 80 Walmart

SAVANNAH, Ga. (WTOC) - Family and friends gathered to celebrate the life of J.T. Shroeder, the 18-year-old who was killed outside the Walmart off Highway 80 just a few weeks ago.

“I love you. That’s what I would tell him,” said family members. “Mom and Dad love you. I love you. I would tell him that we all love him.”

Friends and family shared the same message about Shroeder during the celebration.

“He had the biggest heart and the sweetest soul,” said J.T’s girlfriend, Sienna Reiter.

J.T. was only 18 years old when his life was cut short at the Walmart off Highway 80. Delano Middleton is the man being charged for stabbing and killing the 18-year-old.

“I want justice. I think everybody wants justice. I want the truth, and I want Delano Middleton to be locked up for a long time, maybe forever, because that’s what he deserves,” said friend, Gavin Pitts. “He’s already stabbed somebody before, and then he ends up killing my best friend.”

Previous victim attends celebration

The tragedy brought together two people who otherwise would have never met. Middleton’s previous stabbing victim, Erica Young, drove five hours to celebrate J.T.’s life.

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“We didn’t get justice in our cases,” Young said. “We all have trauma from it. But we have a chance to help J.T.’s family have justice for their child.”

“Well, I haven’t slept in two and a half weeks. And every time I close my eyes, all I see is the devastation he did to my son,” said J.T’s father.

Organ donation saves seven lives

Though J.T.’s life was cut short, he gave the gift of life by donating his organs.

“He donated his organs, saved seven people’s lives. I think J.T. should be known as a hero, and I think he should be respected and honored because he was a great person and I want everyone to know that,” said Pitts.

“I’d do anything to have him back, but I think God has a purpose for everything,” said friend, Cole Brigman.

As J.T.’s friends struggle to face a reality where their best friend isn’t there, they shared advice for others.

“Nothing can really prepare you for that. You really just need to tell your friends and your family and your loved ones that you love them because you never know when someone can go,” said friend, Cole Hobby.

Family and friends all shared one final message: “We love you, JT!”

If you’d like to help JT’s family you can do so through the verfified GoFundMe link here.