A Penn State student, set to enter his senior year, was fatally shot while attempting to reclaim his cell phone from an armed robber, who later tossed the phone under a car.
Billy Schmidt, 22, was captured on surveillance footage being shoved down the stairs of his family home in South Philadelphia around 1:30 a.m. on Saturday. Just after pleading for his phone, a gunshot was heard.
He was quickly taken to Penn Presbyterian Medical Center but succumbed to his injuries.
“It’s appalling, all over a phone,” remarked Ezra Loulinabage, a nearby resident, in an interview. “I just can’t believe someone would take a life for that.”
According to Schmidt’s father, Bill, his son had been returning from watching the NBA Finals with friends when he was targeted. The abandoned phone was later discovered under the family car.
“He was such a good person, always caring for others. He never hurt anyone or caused trouble. It’s just tragic to see him shot like this,” the grieving father shared.
Bill further expressed his disbelief, describing the moment as shocking. “It seems like after they stole the phone, another guy came out and shot him,” he speculated.
No arrests have yet been made, and the investigation is ongoing.
Family and neighbors characterized Schmidt, who was studying journalism at Penn State and due to graduate in December, as a wonderful person.
The university released a statement expressing sorrow over William’s tragic death, highlighting his studies in digital journalism and media.
A neighbor urged the community to assist in identifying the shooter to help provide closure for Schmidt’s family, saying, “We need to find the person who did this. If anyone knows anything, please come forward.”
