An investigation is currently underway following the tragic shooting of a Penn State student during what appears to be an attempted armed robbery.
Billy Schmidt, aged 22, was fatally shot around 1:30 a.m. Saturday just a few blocks from his home in Philadelphia. Police reported that they found him on the street, suffering from a gunshot wound to his chest.
He was transported to a nearby hospital but was declared dead shortly after, at 1:47 a.m. According to his father, Bill Schmidt, Billy had just returned from a bar, where he was enjoying the NBA Finals with friends.
Surveillance footage provided to authorities showed a confrontation involving Schmidt, where he appeared to be demanding his cellphone back just before several gunshots were fired. The footage captures him chasing another individual who then shot him in the chest.
A senior at Penn State University, Schmidt was set to graduate in December. His father described him as a “really good guy” who was kind and never troubled anyone. He expressed disbelief that his son would confront someone over a phone theft.
As of now, police have not made any arrests related to this incident. A neighbor urged anyone with information to come forward for the sake of justice, expressing a strong desire to locate the person responsible.
Billy’s sister, Anna, shared on GoFundMe that he was a cherished family member and friend, and his untimely passing has left the community in shock. The family has successfully raised over $48,000 in light of this tragedy.
