Walmart stabbing victim cremated before investigators could perform autopsy, police confirm

SAVANNAH, Ga. (WTOC) - The Chatham County Police Department confirms the body of stabbing victim J.T. Schroeder was released and cremated by Memorial Hospital despite official holds from the Chatham County Coroner’s Office and the Georgia Bureau of Investigation.

According to Chatham County Police, 18-year-old Schroeder was stabbed and killed during an altercation at the Walmart on Highway 80 on Whitemarsh Island in October. Police arrested and charged Delano Middleton in connection to the stabbing death.

According to Chatham County Police, the hold was intended to ensure an autopsy could be performed after an organ-donation procedure, but the body was released to a funeral home and cremated before the autopsy could be completed.

Memorial Health acknowledged the incident in a written statement, emphasizing the organization’s protocols for handling deceased patients.

The loss of a loved one is never easy, and we have processes in place to ensure proper handling of the deceased in our care. In the event these processes are not followed, we review our training and documentation with staff and work closely with external agencies to prevent similar issues.

Memorial Health

Authorities have not announced whether additional administrative, legal, or procedural steps will follow.

WTOC will continue to monitor and update this story as we learn more.