A 22-year-old Pennsylvania State University student was shot and killed during an apparent armed robbery early Saturday morning near his home in South Philadelphia.
The Philadelphia Police Department reported that the incident occurred around 1:30 a. m.
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Saturday on the 1900 block of Durfor Street, near 20th Street.
Authorities found the victim, identified by family as William "Billy" Schmidt, lying in the road with a single gunshot wound to his chest.
Schmidt was rushed to Penn Presbyterian Medical Center approximately 17 minutes after the shooting and was pronounced dead at 1:47 a.
m. , according to police records.
Investigators recovered a single spent shell casing at the scene and are currently reviewing area surveillance video.
The victim had been walking home from a neighborhood bar where he was watching the NBA Finals with friends when two young men approached him, according to investigators.
Home surveillance footage captured Schmidt chasing the individuals into the street and asking for his phone back before a gunshot was fired.
The victim's father later located the stolen cellphone hidden underneath a parked vehicle and turned the device over to police.
Prosecutors from the Philadelphia District Attorney's Office stated they are testing the recovered phone for DNA evidence to help identify the shooter.
Schmidt was a digital journalism and media student at Penn State World Campus and was scheduled to graduate this upcoming December.
His sister has established a GoFundMe campaign to assist his loved ones, while neighbors have created a memorial at the shooting site.
The investigation remains ongoing, and authorities have not yet announced any arrests or a definitive motive.
Officials are also investigating whether the incident is connected to other recent cellphone robberies in South Philadelphia or Center City.
"Over a phone. It's abhorrent.
It's just unbelievable that someone would kill someone over a phone," said Ezra Roulinavage, a neighbor.
Residents are urging anyone who recognizes the suspects from neighbor porch cameras to contact the homicide unit.
"I want the kid that shot Billy to be found," said a neighbor.
Community members expressed shock over the age of the individuals seen fleeing the area in the surveillance footage.
"They seem young to me.
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," said another neighbor.
The victim's father described his son as a respectful person who had never been involved in any conflicts.
"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," said Bill Schmidt, the victim's father.
The grieving father recalled his immediate reaction upon learning about the fatal shooting.
"I was shocked," said Billy Schmidt, who is the victim's father.
He rushed to check on his son after hearing the news.
"I ran into his room. I didn't believe it," said Schmidt.
The family is demanding accountability as detectives continue to process the crime scene.
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"He was a great kid, he was like my best friend," said Schmidt.
He emphasized that his son was highly respectful to everyone in the neighborhood.
"Never had a problem with anyone, very respectful," said Schmidt.
He urged members of the public to come forward to assist the ongoing police investigation.
"I want to find the two people and make them pay," said Bill Schmidt.
He reiterated his demand for justice during interviews with local television outlets.
"I want them to pay," he said.
He expressed deep concern that the perpetrators might evade law enforcement.
"I don't want them to get away with this," he said.
Local residents have organized gatherings at the memorial site to support the family.
"My kid played with him when they were little. We would all hang out," said a neighbor.
The community noted that the tragic loss has brought neighbors together in mourning.
"The neighbors, we come together, it's really important. It's sad we have to come together over a death," said Michael Smith, a nearby resident.
University officials expressed profound sadness following the announcement of the student's death.
"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.
Penn State Student Affairs is reaching out to William's family to provide support," said Penn State in a statement.
A separate university official reiterated the institution's grief to other media outlets.
"We are heartbroken over the tragic death of William Schmidt, and we share our deepest condolences with his family and friends," said a Penn State spokesperson.
The shooting was discussed during a Monday press conference concerning an increase in the city's budget to enhance public safety.
"It resonates with me, too," said Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner.
He discussed the broader societal challenges of managing urban crime rates.
"Crime is going to continue in human existence. The real question is, how do you manage it?
Are you managing crime, reducing it? Reducing victimizations?"
Krasner said.
Assistant District Attorney Bill Fritze confirmed that detectives have returned to the neighborhood to locate additional evidence.
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"They are working diligently and have been back out to the scene to survey and recover anything else at this time," said Philadelphia Assistant District Attorney Bill Fritze.
