Philly PD seeks suspects in killing of Penn State student Billy Schmidt, shot to death over phone

The Philadelphia Police Department has released new footage showing suspects being sought for the murder of Penn State student Billy Schmidt. The city is offering a $20,000 reward for information leading to an arrest and conviction in the case.

Schmidt, 22, was walking home at around 1:30 am on Sunday after watching the NBA Finals at a local bar. Surveillance footage captured two men speaking with Schmidt before one appeared to take his phone, while additional footage from a neighbor’s home showed one of the men appearing to throw a cellphone, with another running around the corner with Schmidt chasing him. The suspect turned around and shot Schmidt in the chest. Schmidt was just steps away from his home.

The Philadelphia Police Department said the two suspects seen in the newly released footage were observed "walking around the area of 20th Street from Ritner Street to Jackson Street prior to encountering the victim in the area of 20th & Durfor." They fled the area on foot following the shooting and were last seen in the area of 22nd & Porter Streets after they removed their hooded sweatshirts and masks.

The first suspect has been described as being a black male of "thin to medium build," around 5’8" tall, and wearing a "light gray colored custom designed 'KONFUSED' brand hooded sweatshirt with a design on the front that includes three skulls and crossbones with a bejeweled halo above each skull." The suspect was also wearing a black mask that covered his face, and had braids.

The second suspect has been described as a black male with light complexion who was shorter than the first suspect, between 5’3" to 5’5" tall. He was wearing all dark clothing and a light gray camouflage facemask. "This male was armed with a handgun and did brandish and fire the handgun with his left hand," police said.

Schmidt was preparing to enter his senior year at Penn State, studying communications. One neighbor said of the incident, "Over a phone. It's abhorrent. It's just unbelievable that someone would kill someone over a phone."

The victim’s father, Bill Schmidt, said, "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."