Philadelphia police have issued arrest warrants for two 16-year-old boys in connection with the fatal shooting of 22-year-old Billy Schmidt. The warrants were issued after an investigation into the armed robbery attempt that occurred on June 6, during which Schmidt was killed. Schmidt, a Penn State student, was walking home from an NBA Finals watch party when he was confronted by the suspects. He was found with a gunshot wound to his chest and was pronounced dead at a local hospital.
The incident was captured on surveillance video, which shows a man throwing a cellphone before another individual can be seen running around a corner, being chased by Schmidt, who was then shot in the chest. The shooter is described as a Black male between 5’3″ and 5’5″, wearing all dark clothing with a light gray camouflage-colored facemask, and was armed with a handgun. The second suspect is described as 5’8″ with braids, wearing a light gray colored hooded sweatshirt with a distinctive design.
The U.S. Marshals Service has joined the search for the teens, offering a $5,000 reward for information leading to their arrest. The suspects are not yet in custody, and police are urging anyone with information on their whereabouts to come forward. The victim's family has spoken out about the tragedy, with his father describing him as a kind and caring person who never hurt anyone.
Bill Schmidt, the victim's father, said his son was on his way home from a bar where he was watching the NBA Finals with friends when he was killed. He expressed shock and grief over the loss of his son, saying he was a good person who never bothered anyone. The victim's mother, Anna Schmidt, also spoke out, saying she misses her son and cannot understand how someone could commit such a senseless act.
Schmidt was a student at Penn State World Campus, studying journalism, and was set to graduate in December. The university has released a statement expressing its condolences to the family and friends of the victim, saying it is heartbroken over the tragic death. Police are continuing to investigate the incident and are urging anyone with information to contact them.
