Penn State student shot and killed near family's home in Philadelphia
Penn State student Billy Schmidt tragically lost his life near his family's home in Philadelphia. Surveillance video captured the moment he was shot after attempting to retrieve his phone from two suspects. His sister, Anna Schmidt, delivered an emotional plea for justice. Penn State issued condolences, and local police are actively searching for those responsible for the senseless crime.
Philadelphia police have issued arrest warrants for two 16-year-olds who allegedly killed Billy Schmidt on June 6 while he was walking home from an NBA Finals watch party.
A spokesperson for the Philadelphia Police Department told Fox News Digital that the warrants were issued for two boys who are both 16. Fox News Digital is withholding their names because they are minors and haven't yet been charged.
Schmidt, 22, was killed during an armed robbery attempt that happened June 6 at about 1:30 a.m. Officers found the Penn State student with a gunshot wound to his chest. He was taken to a local hospital but pronounced dead at 1:47 a.m.
The teens are not yet in custody.
MANHUNT UNDERWAY AFTER COLLEGE STUDENT FATALLY SHOT CHASING ROBBERS WHO ALLEGEDLY STOLE HIS PHONE
Billy Schmidt was shot and killed in Philadelphia. (Bill Schmidt)
In surveillance video, Schmidt can be heard saying, "Give me my phone," before a gunshot could be heard moments later. The video shows a man throwing a cellphone before another individual can be seen running around a corner being chased by Schmidt, who was then shot in the chest.
The shooter was described by police as a Black male between 5’3″ and 5’5″ "wearing all dark (black) clothing with a light gray camouflage-colored facemask." Officials said this person was armed with a handgun.
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Police released security video of the two suspects. (Philadelphia Police Department)
The second suspect was described by police as 5’8″ with braids and was "wearing a light gray colored custom designed "KONFUSED" brand hooded sweatshirt with a design on the front that includes three skulls and crossbones with a bejeweled halo above each skull."
The U.S. Marshals Service has also joined the search for the teens, offering $5,000 for information leading to their arrest.
MANHUNT UNDERWAY AFTER COLLEGE STUDENT FATALLY SHOT CHASING ROBBERS WHO ALLEGEDLY STOLE HIS PHONE
Bill Schmidt, the victim's father, told ABC7 that his son was on his way home from a bar where he was watching the NBA Finals with friends.
"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 said. "I'm shocked when they stole his phone that he chased them."
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Police released video of the two suspects in the killing and murder of Billy Schmidt. (Philadelphia Police Department)
Anna Schmidt, Billy's sister, told reporters she doesn't know how anyone could have killed her brother.
MANHUNT UNDERWAY AFTER COLLEGE STUDENT FATALLY SHOT CHASING ROBBERS WHO ALLEGEDLY STOLE HIS PHONE
"I miss him so much, and I don't understand how someone can do this," Anna Schmidt said.
Schmidt was a student at Penn State World Campus studying journalism, where he was set to graduate in December.
"We are heartbroken over the tragic death of William Schmidt and we share our deepest condolences with his family and friends," the university said in a statement to Fox News Digital.
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Police are urging anyone with information on the suspects' whereabouts to contact 215-686-TIPS.
Fox News' CB Cotton contributed to this report.
