A South Philadelphia family is searching for answers after a 22-year-old Penn State University student was shot and killed just steps from his home early Saturday morning, a case that remains unsolved as homicide detectives continue reviewing surveillance footage and searching for those responsible.
Authorities have not announced any arrests in connection with the fatal shooting, which occurred around 1:30 a.m. on the 1900 block of Durfor Street.
The victim, Billy Schmidt, was a senior at Penn State studying digital journalism and media communications.
Family members said he was on track to graduate this December and had spent the evening watching the NBA Finals with friends at a local bar before beginning the walk home.
Police said Schmidt was transported to Penn Presbyterian Medical Center following the shooting but later died from his injuries.
Investigators are now focusing heavily on surveillance footage collected from nearby homes and businesses. According to reports, video shows Schmidt interacting with two individuals moments before the shooting.
In footage reviewed by investigators, Schmidt can be heard saying, “Give me back my phone!” before pursuing one of the individuals.
Additional video reportedly captures a person running from the area while another individual appears and opens fire.
Detectives have not publicly identified any suspects, but the evidence has become central to efforts to reconstruct the events that led to the deadly encounter, according to NBC Philadelphia.
While police have not formally announced a motive, investigators are examining whether the confrontation may have originated from an apparent theft involving Schmidt’s cellphone.
Family members said they were stunned by the circumstances described in the footage, and Schmidt’s father later recovered the phone from beneath a nearby vehicle and turned it over to authorities.
Detectives have not released further details regarding what may have occurred before the shooting.
As the investigation continues, Schmidt’s family and neighbors have united in calling for justice. His father, Bill Schmidt, described his son as a caring young man whose death has devastated those who knew him.
“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, also pleaded for answers while struggling to come to terms with the loss.
“I miss him so much, I don’t understand how someone could do this to me and my family,” she told FOX 29. “I just think he’s going to walk through the door … I want justice for him, for my family.”
Neighbors have assisted investigators by providing surveillance footage and helping establish a memorial near the site of the shooting.
Several residents expressed hope that someone will recognize the individuals captured on video and provide information that could help police identify those involved.
Penn State also issued a statement following Schmidt’s death, mourning the loss of a student who was only months away from graduation.
“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 said.
Anna Schmidt has also launched a GoFundMe campaign to support the family, which had raised more than $53,000 as of Monday afternoon.
Philadelphia police continue to review evidence and pursue leads as the homicide investigation remains active.
Anyone with information about the shooting is encouraged to contact investigators.
For Schmidt’s family, the search for answers continues as they await justice in a case that has shaken both their neighborhood and the Penn State community.
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