Teen Arrested in Connection with Penn State Student’s Death

A Pennsylvania teenager, believed to be linked to the shooting death of Penn State student Billy Schmidt, has been apprehended in Colorado. Schmidt was shot while heading home after watching the NBA Finals. This arrest comes after a month-long investigation, just an hour before the suspect’s accomplice turned herself in to authorities.

Authorities reported that Azbaia Auten Fleming, 16, was taken into custody by the U.S. Marshals Service in Colorado Springs. Interestingly, she initially tried to hide her identity. She is currently held in a juvenile detention center and is awaiting extradition to Philadelphia.

Earlier this week, police issued warrants for both Fleming and her accomplice, 16-year-old Kaiseem Smith, who was also implicated in the incident. Smith surrendered to Philadelphia police shortly after the announcement of Fleming’s capture.

Details of the Incident

Philadelphia Police Deputy Chief Frank Vanois mentioned that Fleming has been charged with murder. Schmidt, aged 22, was killed during an attempted armed robbery early on June 6.

Officers responded to a call where they found Schmidt with a gunshot wound to his chest. Sadly, despite being rushed to a local hospital, he died shortly after arrival. The incident was captured on video surveillance.

In the footage, Schmidt is seen demanding his phone back, which had been stolen during the robbery. The tape shows an individual throwing the phone before Schmidt is pursued and shot in the chest.

Schmidt’s father, Bill Schmidt, shared with ABC7 that his son was returning home from watching the NBA Finals at a bar with friends when the incident occurred.

Reflecting on his son’s character, Bill said, “He was a really good guy, he cared about everybody. It’s just shocking to see this happen.” He expressed disbelief that his son would chase after someone who took his phone.

Billy was preparing to graduate from Penn State University in December, majoring in journalism.