By: Tracie Carter
A jury has convicted a South Jersey man of murder in connection with a deadly shooting that occurred outside a local sports bar in 2022, according to information released by the Gloucester County Prosecutor’s Office.
Walter Gilliano, 28, of Franklinville, was found guilty Tuesday of first-degree murder and two related second-degree weapons offenses following a four-week trial before Roger Lai.
According to documents filed in the case and testimony presented in court, the shooting occurred on September 24, 2022, outside Villari’s Sports Bar.
Police from the Franklin Township Police Department responded to the scene after receiving reports of a man suffering from a gunshot wound.
When officers arrived, they found 31-year-old Chad Stuart, of Clayton, lying on the ground with a gunshot wound to the head.
Authorities said Gilliano admitted to officers at the scene that he had shot Stuart. Investigators later determined the two men had argued in the parking lot after the bar had closed.
Prosecutors said Gilliano initially left the scene in his vehicle but returned minutes later armed with a handgun.
An eyewitness told police the defendant pointed the gun at Stuart and fired, striking him in the head.
Stuart was transported to a nearby hospital, where he later died from his injuries.
“Our office remains steadfast in its commitment to seeking justice for victims of violent crime,” said Andrew B. Johns in a statement following the verdict. “This verdict is the result of careful investigation, thorough preparation, and a unified effort to ensure accountability.”
Gilliano is scheduled to be sentenced on April 24, 2026. He faces a potential life sentence in New Jersey State Prison with a minimum of 30 years before becoming eligible for parole on the murder conviction, as well as up to 10 years in prison for each of the weapons charges.