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Penn State Student Fatally Shot in South Philadelphia During Phone Theft

Detectives released suspect images, are testing a recovered cellphone for DNA plus fingerprint evidence, with the city posting a $20,000 reward for information.

Overview

  • Billy Schmidt, 22, was shot in the chest and died after two people allegedly stole his phone and he tried to retrieve it on Saturday, June 6.
  • Officers found one spent shell casing at the scene and Schmidt’s father located the discarded phone and turned it over to investigators.
  • Police released video images and descriptions of two suspects, including a roughly 5-foot-8 man with braided hair in a gray 'KONFUSED' hoodie and a shorter person in all black who is believed to be the shooter.
  • Forensic teams are examining the recovered cellphone for DNA and fingerprints while detectives review surveillance clips and police dispatch audio for leads, and no arrests have been reported.
  • The family set viewing and funeral services and organizers planned a 'Justice for Billy' vigil as the city offered a $20,000 reward and the community urges tips to help solve the case.