Teen Arrested in Penn State Student Murder Case
One of the two teenage suspects linked to the murder of a Penn State University senior in South Philadelphia has been apprehended by U.S. Marshals in Colorado Springs, Colorado, quite a distance—over 1,700 miles—from where the crime occurred.
Philadelphia Police Deputy Chief Frank Vanore confirmed that 16-year-old Azbaiah Auten Fleming was taken into custody, as reported by WPVI-TV.
As the investigation continues, authorities are still searching for the second suspect, 16-year-old Kaiseem Smith.
On June 6, the suspects allegedly stole the cell phone of 22-year-old Billy Schmidt on Darfall Street. Reports indicate that when Schmidt pursued them, one of the suspects turned around and fatally shot him in the chest. Schmidt passed away shortly thereafter, having just returned from watching the NBA Finals with friends.
Both Fleming and Smith are facing murder charges, according to WPVI. Smith is described as being 4 feet 10 inches tall and weighing about 110 pounds. He is known to reside in Wilmington, Delaware, but frequents areas around 27th and Reed in Philadelphia.
Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner suggested that Smith is believed to be the shooter.
“Surrender now,” said U.S. Supervising Deputy Marshal Robert Clark. “If you decide to stay on the run, we will pursue every lead and piece of information until you are caught.”
The case has drawn considerable attention, with the police department offering a $20,000 reward for any information leading to an arrest and conviction. Additionally, the sheriff’s department recently announced a $5,000 reward for information specifically related to each suspect, bringing the potential total to $10,000.
In a troubling twist, Auten Fleming’s stepfather, 35-year-old Dante Abdul Malik, has also been arrested and charged with hindering apprehension as well as tampering with evidence related to the case.
Schmidt was pursuing a degree in digital journalism and media, with plans to graduate in December. Public sentiment is strong; local resident Matthew Segal expressed a desire for justice, stating, “I hope they find it. I would love to see them in prison. They don’t deserve to walk away from what they’ve done.”
