Woodbury, NJ – A jury found Walter Gilliano, 28, of Franklinville, guilty of first-degree murder and two related second-degree weapons charges Tuesday following a four-week trial before the Honorable Roger Lai.
According to documents filed in this case and statements made in open court: On Sept. 24, 2022, Franklin Township Police Department arrived at Villari’s Sports Bar for reports of a gunshot wound. The victim, Chad Stuart, 31, of Clayton, was lying on the ground with a gunshot wound to the head. Gilliano told officers he had shot Stuart. The investigation revealed that Gilliano and the victim had argued in the parking lot after the bar closed. The defendant then got into his car and drove away only to return a few minutes later with a gun. An eyewitness told police that Gilliano pointed the gun at the victim and shot him. The victim was transported to the hospital where he died from his injuries.
“Our office remains steadfast in its commitment to seeking justice for victims of violent crime,” said Prosecutor Andrew B. Johns. “This verdict is the result of careful investigation, thorough preparation, and a unified effort to ensure accountability.”
Sentencing is scheduled for April 24, 2026. Gilliano faces a sentence of life in New Jersey State Prison, with a minimum of 30 years to be served before parole eligibility, on the murder charge and a maximum of 10 years in state prison for each of the weapons charges.
The State was represented by Deputy Chief Assistant Prosecutor Kate Mika and Chief Assistant Prosecutor Alec Gutierrez.
Prosecutor Johns thanked the GCPO Major Crimes and Crime Scene Investigation Units, the New Jersey State Police Ballistics and Forensic Laboratory, and Franklin Township Police for their assistance in the investigation.
Defense Counsel: Christopher St. John and Tess Berkowitz of The Law Offices of Christopher St. John in Marlton, NJ.
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