Philadelphia police have released video footage of two suspects wanted in connection with the murder of Billy Schmidt, a Pennsylvania State University student. The incident occurred as Schmidt returned home from an NBA Finals watch party.
The Philadelphia Police Department shared the video after Schmidt, 22, was killed during an armed robbery attempt around 1:30 a.m. on a Saturday. Officers discovered the student with a gunshot wound to his chest. He was transported to a nearby hospital but was pronounced dead shortly after at 1:47 a.m.
On Wednesday night, police released footage showing two suspects involved in the killing and robbery. The suspects discarded their sweatshirts and masks in the vicinity of 22nd and Porter streets, according to police.
The shooter was described as a Black male between 5’3” and 5’5” who wore dark clothing and a light gray camouflage-colored facemask. This individual had a handgun. The second suspect was described as 5’8” with braids and wore a light gray “KONFUSED” brand hooded sweatshirt featuring three skulls and crossbones with bejeweled halos.
Schmidt was returning home after watching the NBA Finals with friends when he was targeted in the robbery around 1:30 a.m. Surveillance footage shows Schmidt demanding his phone back while pursuing the suspects. The phone was later seen on the ground. Moments later, a gunshot was heard.
Schmidt, who was studying journalism at Penn State World Campus, was set to graduate in December. His father, Bill Schmidt, recounted discovering his son’s phone at the crime scene. He mentioned alerting police afterward, noting that it was unclear whether fingerprints on the device belonged to him, Billy, or the suspect.
Billy Schmidt’s sister, Anna Schmidt, expressed her hope for justice. She referred to the suspects as “animals” deserving life imprisonment for their actions, especially given her brother was unarmed and the altercation was over a phone.
The Philadelphia Police Department urges individuals with information about the suspects to call 215-686-3334/3335. A $20,000 reward is offered for information leading to an arrest and conviction.
For more details, contact Fox News reporter Adam Sabes via email at [email protected] or on Twitter at @asabes10.
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