Man Found Guilty of Murder After 2022 Shooting Outside South Jersey Bar

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A 28-year-old New Jersey man named Walter Gilliano was found guilty by a jury of murder and weapons charges for a 2022 shooting that killed 31-year-old Chad Stuart outside a bar in Sicklerville, New Jersey. The shooting occurred after the two men got into an argument in the bar's parking lot, with Gilliano allegedly leaving, getting a gun, and then returning to fatally shoot Stuart.

Why it matters

Gun violence and fatal altercations outside bars and nightlife establishments remain an ongoing public safety concern in many communities. This case highlights the need for better conflict resolution and de-escalation training, as well as stronger gun control measures to prevent such tragedies.

The details

According to investigators, on September 24, 2022, after Villari's Sports Bar in Sicklerville had closed for the night, Gilliano and Stuart got into an argument in the parking lot. Gilliano then left, got a gun, and returned minutes later to shoot Stuart in the head, killing him. A witness told police they saw Gilliano shoot Stuart.

• The shooting occurred on September 24, 2022, after Villari's Sports Bar had closed for the night.
• On March 3, 2026, Gilliano was found guilty by a jury of murder and weapons charges after a four-week trial.
• Gilliano is scheduled to be sentenced on April 24, 2026.

What’s next

Gilliano is scheduled to be sentenced on April 24, 2026 and could face life in New Jersey State Prison with a minimum of 30 years to be served before parole becomes an option.