Walmart stabbing suspect appears in court as case moves forward

SAVANNAH, Ga. (WTOC) - A judge ruled Thursday that there is probable cause to move the case against Delano Middleton to superior court in connection with the stabbing death of 18-year-old J.T. Schroeder outside a Savannah Walmart.

New details emerged during the preliminary hearing as a Chatham County police detective testified about what investigators say happened in the minutes leading up to the fatal confrontation.

According to the detective, Walmart security video showed multiple encounters between Middleton and Schroeder inside the store before the stabbing. At one point, the detective said, Middleton can be seen leaving the store with a knife in his left hand.

The detective also outlined statements given by Middleton during the investigation. Middleton allegedly told police that Schroeder exposed himself to him in the restroom earlier that day. The men crossed paths again at the self-checkout area, where witnesses reported hearing Middleton direct a homophobic slur at Schroeder. The two later exchanged words again before an apparent bump into Middleton’s shopping cart escalated into a physical fight that ended with Schroeder being stabbed in the neck.

Following the testimony, Schroeder’s father strongly rejected the claim that his son exposed himself, calling the allegation unfounded.

Middleton’s case will now proceed to superior court, where prosecutors will determine the next steps in the homicide investigation.