Walmart worker who stabbed newer employee repeatedly behind deli counter for disrespecting him is headed to prison

Kelvin Fuller, a 20-year-old Illinois Walmart employee, was sentenced to 25 years in prison after pleading guilty to attempted murder for a July 2025 attack behind the deli counter of a Collinsville Walmart Supercenter.

The incident took place in Collinsville, Illinois, where authorities said Fuller targeted a newer co-worker after feeling disrespected during a work shift, leading to a multi-year prison sentence following swift intervention by bystanders and subsequent law enforcement action.

Incident Overview

According to court documents obtained by local NBC affiliate KSDK and details released by the Madison County State's Attorney's Office, the violent encounter unfolded around 2 p.m. in July 2025 at the Walmart Supercenter in Collinsville. Fuller had reportedly brought a knife and black gloves to work, putting them on before approaching the victim from behind while she was working behind the deli counter and talking to another employee.

Fuller dragged a knife across the victim's neck before she managed to pull away. He then pursued her and stabbed her approximately five times in the neck, arm, shoulder, and back. Video captured inside the store showed customers and fellow employees rushing to intervene as the victim ran for cover and broke free. Court documents indicated that Fuller admitted he was still looking for the victim and believed she could not survive the injuries he inflicted, which ultimately required multiple surgeries.

Suspect Information

The suspect is identified as Kelvin Fuller, 20. Investigators stated that Fuller admitted during questioning to bringing a knife and black gloves to work and putting them on specifically to carry out the attack. He told authorities he targeted the victim, described as a newer employee, because he felt she had disrespected him during a shift.

Victim Information

The victim, whose name has not been publicly released, was working behind the deli counter at the time of the attack. Court records and official statements note that she sustained multiple stab wounds to her neck, arm, shoulder, and back, requiring multiple surgeries following the incident.

Police Response

Following the intervention of customers and employees who stepped in to stop the attack and help the victim, Fuller fled the store on foot. Responding officers quickly located him and took him into custody nearby.

Investigation

The investigation into the attack was handled by local law enforcement and prosecutors from the Madison County State's Attorney's Office, utilizing store surveillance video, witness statements, and Fuller's own admissions during police questioning to build the case.

Evidence Collected

• A knife brought to the scene by the suspect
• Black gloves used by the suspect
• Store surveillance video capturing the attack and subsequent intervention
• Physical and medical evidence documenting the victim's injuries

Arrest Details

After fleeing the Walmart Supercenter where the attack occurred, Fuller was located near the scene by law enforcement and taken into custody without further incident.

Charges Filed

• Attempted Murder: A serious felony charge involving the substantial step toward intentionally causing the death of another person. In Illinois, attempted murder is typically classified as a Class X felony, carrying severe statutory prison penalties ranging from 6 to 30 years, and potentially up to life imprisonment depending on aggravating factors and the specifics of the plea agreement or conviction.

Court Information

The case was prosecuted through the Madison County judicial system under the Madison County State's Attorney's Office. Following his guilty plea to attempted murder, Fuller was sentenced this week to 25 years in prison by the court.

Statements from Authorities

Madison County State's Attorney Tom Haine commented on the outcome following the sentencing hearing, praising the actions of those who intervened. "A workplace should be a place where people can do their jobs without fear of being attacked," Haine said. "The actions of the employees and customers who stepped in to stop this attack may have prevented an even greater tragedy. I commend them for their intervention, and I commend law enforcement and our prosecution team for ensuring that this offender was held accountable for this violent crime."

Public Safety Information

Workplace violence is a serious public safety concern. Authorities encourage employees and employers to report safety hazards, threats, or harassment immediately to management or local law enforcement. If you or someone you know is experiencing workplace violence, domestic abuse, or an emergency situation, please dial 911 immediately for emergency assistance.

What Happens Next

With the entry of the guilty plea and the imposition of the 25-year prison sentence, the criminal case concludes at the trial court level, and the defendant will be transferred to the custody of the state department of corrections to serve his term.