A South Philadelphia family is seeking answers following the fatal shooting of 22-year-old Penn State University student Billy Schmidt, who was killed just steps from his home early Saturday morning. The case remains unsolved as homicide detectives continue to review surveillance footage and search for those responsible. Authorities have not announced any arrests in connection with the incident, which occurred around 1:30 a.m. on the 1900 block of Durfor Street.
"He was a really good person who cared about everybody and never hurt or bothered a soul, never bothered anyone and for him to get shot like that is a travesty." — Bill Schmidt, Father of Billy Schmidt
Billy Schmidt was a senior at Penn State, majoring in digital journalism and media communications, and was reportedly on track to graduate this December. Family members stated that he had spent the evening watching the NBA Finals with friends at a local bar before beginning his walk home. Following the shooting, Schmidt was transported to Penn Presbyterian Medical Center, where he later succumbed to his injuries.
Investigators are now focusing heavily on surveillance footage gathered from nearby homes and businesses. According to reports, video evidence shows Schmidt interacting with two individuals moments before the fatal shooting. In footage reviewed by detectives, Schmidt can reportedly be heard saying, “Give me back my phone!” before he is seen pursuing one of the individuals. Additional video reportedly captures a person fleeing the area while another individual appears and opens fire.
While police have not formally announced a motive for the shooting, investigators are examining the possibility that the confrontation originated from an apparent theft involving Schmidt’s cellphone. Schmidt’s father later recovered the phone from beneath a nearby vehicle and subsequently turned it over to authorities. Detectives have not released further details regarding what may have transpired immediately before the shooting. No suspects have been publicly identified by law enforcement officials.
The tragic death has devastated Schmidt’s family and shaken the local community. His father, Bill Schmidt, described his son as a compassionate young man. “He was a really good person who cared about everybody and never hurt or bothered a soul, never bothered anyone and for him to get shot like that is a travesty,” Bill Schmidt told ABC7. Schmidt’s sister, Anna, echoed the family’s grief and plea for justice, telling FOX 29, “I miss him so much, I don’t understand how someone could do this to me and my family. I just think he’s going to walk through the door … I want justice for him, for my family.”
Neighbors have actively assisted investigators by providing surveillance footage and have collectively established a memorial near the site of the shooting. Several residents have expressed hope that someone will recognize the individuals captured on video and come forward with information that could aid police in identifying those involved.
Penn State University also issued a statement mourning the loss of a student who was only months away from completing his degree. “We are heartbroken this morning to learn of the tragic death of William [Billy] Schmidt, and we share our deepest condolences with his family and friends,” the university communicated. In the wake of the tragedy, Anna Schmidt launched a GoFundMe campaign to support the family, which had raised more than $53,000 as of Monday afternoon.
Philadelphia police continue to review all available evidence and pursue leads as the homicide investigation remains active. Authorities encourage anyone with information regarding the shooting to contact investigators. For Billy Schmidt’s family, the search for answers and justice continues in a case that has deeply impacted both their neighborhood and the wider Penn State community.
