Billy Schmidt, a 22-year-old senior at Penn State University, was shot and killed after chasing suspects who had stolen his phone near his home in South Philadelphia around 1:30 a.m. Saturday [1, 2, 3]. Surveillance footage shows Schmidt confronting the suspects, demanding, "Give me back my phone," before shots were fired [1, 2, 3].
Schmidt was rushed to Penn Presbyterian Medical Center but died from a gunshot wound to the chest shortly after 1:47 a.m. [1, 2, 3]. The stolen phone was later found discarded beneath a nearby car [1].
Schmidt was returning from watching the NBA Finals with friends at a bar before the robbery [1, 2, 3]. Penn State University confirmed he was studying digital journalism and media online and planned to graduate this December [1, 3].
Family and neighbors described Schmidt as kind, hardworking, and well-liked. His father, Bill Schmidt, said, "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" [1]. He also expressed shock that Billy chased after the thieves, saying, "I'm shocked when they stole his phone that he chased them" [2].
Billy's sister, Anna Schmidt, said, "I miss him so much and I don't understand how someone can do this" [3]. A neighbor urged anyone with information to come forward, adding, "I want justice, I want the kid that shot Billy to be found. If anyone's out there that recognizes anything... they seem young to me. If anyone has any information or recognizes anything about the kids, I would love for them to come forward" [3].
The Philadelphia Police Department has not made any arrests and the investigation is ongoing [1, 2, 3]. Meanwhile, the family has raised more than $48,000 through a GoFundMe campaign since the shooting [2].
