Jury Convicts Defendant After Four-Week Trial In Fatal Parking Lot Confrontation

Thursday, March 5, 2026, 6:40 P.M. ET. 4 Minute Read, By Art Fletcher: Englebrook Independent News,

FRANKLIN TOWNSHIP, NJ.- A Gloucester County jury has convicted a Franklinville man of murder and related weapons offenses in connection with the fatal shooting of a Clayton resident outside a South Jersey sports bar in 2022.

Following a four-week trial in Gloucester County Superior Court, jurors found Walter Gilliano, 28, of Franklinville, New Jersey, guilty of first-degree murder as well as two second-degree weapons charges related to the killing of Chad Stuart, 31, of Clayton, New Jersey.

     The verdict was delivered Tuesday before the Honorable Roger Lai, J.S.C., in Gloucester County Superior Court in Woodbury, after jurors heard testimony from investigators, eyewitnesses, and forensic specialists detailing the events surrounding the deadly shooting outside Villari’s Sports Bar in Franklin Township, New Jersey.

Argument Escalated Into Deadly Shooting;

     According to court testimony and documents filed in the case, the fatal incident occurred during the early morning hours of September 24, 2022, shortly after the bar had closed for the night.

     Officers from the Franklin Township Police Department responded to the establishment following reports of a shooting in the parking lot.

     When police arrived at the scene, they discovered Stuart lying on the ground suffering from a gunshot wound to the head.

     Authorities said Gilliano remained at the scene and told responding officers that he had shot the victim.

     Investigators determined that the two men had been involved in a heated argument in the parking lot after patrons had exited the bar.

     According to prosecutors, Gilliano initially left the scene in his vehicle, but returned minutes later with a firearm.

     An eyewitness who testified during the trial told investigators that Gilliano pointed the gun at Stuart and fired, striking him in the head.

     Emergency medical personnel transported Stuart to a nearby hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries.

Prosecutor Praises Investigative Effort;

Following the guilty verdict, Gloucester County Prosecutor Andrew B. Johns commended investigators and prosecutors for their work on the case.

     “Our office remains steadfast in its commitment to seeking justice for victims of violent crime,” Johns said in a statement following the verdict. “This verdict is the result of careful investigation, thorough preparation, and a unified effort to ensure accountability.”

     Prosecutors argued during trial that Gilliano’s decision to leave the scene, retrieve a firearm, and return to confront Stuart demonstrated clear intent leading to the fatal shooting.

Sentencing Scheduled For April;

     Gilliano is scheduled to be sentenced on April 24, 2026, in Gloucester County Superior Court.

     Under New Jersey law, he faces a potential life sentence in New Jersey State Prison, with a minimum of 30 years to be served before becoming eligible for parole on the murder conviction. He also faces up to 10 years in prison for each of the second-degree weapons convictions, penalties that could potentially run consecutively depending on the court’s determination at sentencing.

     Gilliano remains in custody pending the sentencing hearing.

Prosecutors And Investigators Recognized;

     The State of New Jersey was represented at trial by:

     Deputy Chief Assistant Prosecutor Kate Mika, Chief Assistant Prosecutor Alec Gutierrez

     Both serve within the Gloucester County Prosecutor’s Office.

     Prosecutor Johns also credited several law enforcement agencies whose investigative efforts contributed to the successful prosecution of the case, including:

• Gloucester County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crimes Unit
• Gloucester County Prosecutor’s Office Crime Scene Investigation Unit
• New Jersey State Police Ballistics and Forensic Laboratory
• Franklin Township Police Department

     Authorities said the case relied heavily on forensic evidence, witness testimony, and investigative reconstruction of the timeline leading up to the shooting.

A Case Spanning More Than Three Years;

     The guilty verdict brings a significant development in a case that has moved through the Gloucester County criminal justice system for more than three years since the fatal shooting occurred in September 2022.

     While the conviction represents accountability through the legal process, officials acknowledged that the outcome cannot undo the loss experienced by the victim’s family.

     Gilliano will remain incarcerated pending sentencing next month.

Editor’s Note:

This report was written by Art Fletcher and was prepared using information obtained from the Gloucester County Prosecutor’s Office, official court filings, and statements made during proceedings in Gloucester County Superior Court. Sentencing decisions remain at the discretion of the presiding judge and will be determined at a scheduled hearing on April 24, 2026.