Philadelphia, Pennsylvania — A Penn State student preparing for graduation later this year was tragically shot and killed after allegedly confronting robbers who stole his cellphone while he was walking home in Philadelphia.
The victim, 22-year-old William “Billy” Schmidt, was remembered by family, friends and neighbors as a kind-hearted journalism student whose life was cut short in a senseless act of violence.
Student Robbed Steps From Family Home
According to reports, Schmidt was walking near his family’s home in South Philadelphia at approximately 1:30 a.m. Saturday when he was approached by robbers.
Surveillance footage reportedly captured the confrontation, showing Schmidt being held up just steps away from home. Moments later, witnesses heard him pleading with the suspects.
“Give me back my phone,” Schmidt was reportedly heard saying before a gunshot rang out.
Authorities say the 22-year-old was shot during the encounter and collapsed near the scene. Emergency responders rushed him to Penn Presbyterian Medical Center, but despite medical efforts, he later died from his injuries.
Family Struggles to Understand Tragedy
The shooting has devastated Schmidt’s family, who say the loss is nearly impossible to comprehend.
His father, Bill Schmidt, revealed that his son had been returning home after watching the NBA Finals with friends when the robbery occurred.
Investigators believe the confrontation began over the theft of Schmidt’s cellphone. In a painful twist, the phone that allegedly triggered the deadly encounter was later found discarded nearby.
According to his father, the stolen device was eventually discovered underneath a parked vehicle.
“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,” Bill Schmidt told ABC 7.
The grieving father also expressed surprise that his son pursued the suspects.
“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.”
Community Outraged by Violence
Neighbors and community members have reacted with disbelief and anger over the killing. Many questioned how a life could be lost over something as replaceable as a cellphone.
“Over a phone. It’s abhorrent,” resident Ezra Roulinavage told NBC 10. “It’s just unbelievable that someone would kill someone over a phone.”
Residents described Schmidt as a respectful and hardworking young man with a bright future ahead of him. The tragedy has renewed concerns about violent crime and street robberies in the city.
Penn State Mourns Student’s Death
Schmidt was studying digital journalism and media through Penn State World Campus and was expected to graduate in December.
Penn State released a statement honoring the student and expressing condolences to his loved ones.
“We are heartbroken this morning to learn of the tragic death of William Schmidt, and we share are deepest condolences with his family and friends. William was a fourth semester student from Philadelphia studying digital journalism and media at Penn State World Campus.”
Friends and neighbors described him as a “really good kid” who had a promising future both academically and professionally.
Search for Suspects Continues
As of now, authorities have not announced any arrests in connection with the fatal shooting. Investigators continue reviewing evidence and seeking information from the public.
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One neighbor urged anyone with information to come forward and help bring justice to Schmidt’s family.
“I want the kid that shot Billy to be found,” the neighbor told. “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.”
The investigation remains active as detectives work to identify those responsible for the deadly robbery.
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