Search for Suspects in College Student’s Fatal Shooting

Authorities are currently seeking two suspects linked to the fatal shooting of a college student, just steps from his family’s home in Pennsylvania on June 6.

Police have issued arrest warrants for 16-year-olds Kaiseem Smith and Azbaia Outen Fleming in connection with the death of Billy Schmidt, a student at Penn State, in Philadelphia. Prosecutors have charged both teens with murder. The shooting reportedly took place around 1:30 a.m., shortly after Schmidt returned home from watching the NBA Finals with friends at a nearby bar.

Surveillance video captures one person appearing to throw a phone into the air, as another rounds a corner with Schmidt in pursuit. Authorities have stated that Schmidt was shot in the chest during this encounter, just outside his residence on Dalfort Street.

Before the shooting, Schmidt is believed to have asked for his cell phone back. The Deputy Chief of Investigations at the Philadelphia Police Department, Frank Vanois, confirmed that arrest warrants have indeed been obtained for the two suspects. These developments were reported during a press conference by Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner on July 1, where he outlined the charges which also include conspiracy and robbery.

In a related development, Outen-Fleming’s stepfather, Dante Abdulmalik, aged 35, was arrested on charges including hindering apprehension and tampering with evidence. He is also involved in this case per officials.

The U.S. Marshals Service’s Fugitive Task Force is managing the investigation. To facilitate their search, the Philadelphia U.S. Marshals Service is offering a reward of $5,000 for information leading to each of the suspects. Authorities have warned that the two teens may be armed and dangerous.

“Surrender now. If you remain a fugitive, we will relentlessly pursue every lead and piece of information to locate you,” stated Deputy U.S. Marshal Robert Clark.

Billy Schmidt was studying digital journalism at Penn State’s World Campus and was slated to graduate in December. The 22-year-old was in his fourth year of studies.

According to police, one suspect is approximately 5 feet 8 inches tall, dressed in a gray hoodie and a black mask, while the other is said to be between 5 feet 3 and 5 feet 5 inches tall, wearing all black and a camouflage mask. After the shooting, they’ve reportedly been seen taking off their hoodies and masks to reveal white T-shirts.