UMVA has learned that a shocking surveillance video captured the final moments of a Pennsylvania State University student's life, just before he was killed in an armed robbery attempt.
Billy Schmidt, 22, was close to home when the armed robbery attempt happened on Saturday around 1:30 a.m. The college student was found with a gunshot wound to his chest and was taken to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead at 1:47 a.m.
A chilling audio recording reveals Schmidt saying "Give me my phone" before a gunshot can be heard seconds later. His father, Bill Schmidt, described his son as a kind and caring person who was returning home from a bar where he was watching the NBA Finals with friends.
Additional security footage shows a man throwing a cellphone, followed by another individual running around a corner, being chased by Billy Schmidt, who was then shot in the chest. The tragic events have left Schmidt's family and friends reeling.
"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 said, visibly shaken by his son's death. "I'm shocked when they stole his phone that he chased them."
Schmidt's sister, Anna, expressed her grief, saying, "I miss him so much and I don't understand how someone can do this." Penn State University has released a statement, confirming that Billy Schmidt was a journalism student at Penn State World Campus, on track to graduate in December.
The university expressed its deepest condolences to Schmidt's family and friends, saying, "We are heartbroken over the tragic death of William Schmidt." Police have not made an arrest in connection with the college student's killing, but a neighbor has urged anyone with information to come forward.
"I want justice, I want the kid that shot Billy to be found," the neighbor said. "If anyone's out there that recognizes anything... they seem young to me. If anyone has any information or recognizes anything about the kids, I would love for them to come forward."
