A Penn State student preparing for his senior year was shot and killed in Philadelphia after police say he tried to stop robbers who had taken his phone.
Billy Schmidt, 22, was walking home early Saturday morning after watching the NBA Finals with friends when the deadly encounter unfolded just steps from his family’s home in South Philadelphia.
Surveillance footage reportedly showed Schmidt being held up near 20th and Durfor streets around 1:30 a.m. Moments later, a gunshot rang out after he was heard pleading, “Give me back my phone.”
Schmidt was rushed to Penn Presbyterian Medical Center, where he died from his injuries.
His father, Bill Schmidt, said the family later found the phone discarded under a car.
“He was a really good person who cared about everybody and never hurt or bothered a soul, never bothered anyone and for him to get shot like that is a travesty,” his grieving father told ABC 7.
The killing has left neighbors stunned by the senseless violence.
“Over a phone. It’s abhorrent,” nearby resident Ezra Roulinavage told NBC 10. “It’s just unbelievable that someone would kill someone over a phone.”
According to Schmidt’s father, his son had been coming home after spending time with friends when two young men allegedly stole his phone.
“I’m shocked when they stole his phone that he chased them,” he said. “Supposedly when he got to the corner another came out and he shot him.”
No arrests have been made, and police are still investigating.
Schmidt was studying digital journalism and media through Penn State World Campus and was expected to graduate in December.
Penn State released a statement mourning his death.
“We are heartbroken this morning to learn of the tragic death of William Schmidt, and we share our deepest condolences with his family and friends,” the school said. “William was a fourth semester student from Philadelphia studying digital journalism and media at Penn State World Campus.”
Family members and neighbors remembered Schmidt as a kind young man with a bright future.
One neighbor urged anyone who recognizes the suspects or knows anything about the shooting to come forward.
“I want the kid that shot Billy to be found,” the neighbor told NBC 10. “If anyone has any information or recognizes anything about the kids, I would love for them to come forward and give his parents some justice.”
Had to be a ngr