In the predawn hours of September 24, 2022, a dispute in the parking lot of Villari's Sports Bar in Franklinville, New Jersey, ended in the tragic death of 31-year-old Chad Stuart. A male resident of nearby Clayton, Stuart was known in his community as a kind and vibrant individual, working as a server at the Lake House Restaurant and coaching youth basketball. The man accused of ending his life was Walter 'Willy' Gilliano, a 25-year-old Marine Corps reservist from Franklinville.
The two men, who were acquainted, became involved in a verbal altercation after the bar had closed for the night. According to witness statements, the argument escalated, prompting Gilliano to leave the scene. He reportedly warned Stuart and a witness to be gone by the time he returned. Gilliano came back shortly after, allegedly brandishing a handgun. Following a brief conversation, Stuart was shot once in the forehead.
Though no bar staff were present at the time, Gilliano himself called 911 to report the shooting and was administering CPR to Stuart when police arrived at approximately 4:42 a.m.
Emergency services airlifted Stuart to Cooper University Hospital in Camden, but his injuries were catastrophic. He was pronounced brain dead and succumbed to his wounds several days later. In death, Stuart gave the gift of life to others through organ donation, a fact highlighted by his family. His passing was mourned by many, including his colleagues who remembered him as an amazing friend with an infectious smile, and the youth basketball league he coached, which created an award in his honor.
Walter Gilliano was taken into custody at the scene and a Glock 19 handgun was recovered. He was initially charged with attempted murder, but the charges were upgraded to murder following Stuart's death. Additional charges included aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and unlawful possession of a weapon. Gilliano was lodged in the Salem County Correctional Facility. During a subsequent court hearing, his defense attorneys argued that the shooting was accidental, a claim disputed by prosecutors who noted he had left the scene to retrieve the weapon. Despite a judge's decision to approve a pretrial release, prosecutors appealed, keeping him behind bars pending further proceedings.
