Police issue arrest warrants for Philadelphia 16-year-old teens in killing of Penn State student

Philadelphia police have issued arrest warrants for two teenage suspects in the fatal shooting of Penn State student Billy Schmidt. According to a report from Fox News, a spokesperson for the Philadelphia Police Department confirmed that warrants have been issued for two 16-year-old suspects. Their identities were not named because they are minors and have not been officially charged.

Schmidt, 22, was a journalism student at Penn State University who was expected to graduate in December. On June 6, he was shot and killed during an attempted armed robbery around 1:30 am while walking home from an NBA Finals watch party. Schmidt was shot in the chest and transported to a nearby hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

Surveillance footage reviewed by investigators allegedly shows Schmidt confronting the suspects and demanding that they return his cell phone. One suspect threw the phone, while another ran around a corner with Schmidt chasing him. Moments later, a gunshot was fired, striking Schmidt.

The US Marshals Service has joined the search for the suspects and is offering a $5,000 reward for information leading to their arrests. Police described one suspect as a black male between 5’3” and 5’5” who was “wearing all dark (black) clothing with a light gray camouflage-colored facemask." The other was described as 5’8″ with braids and was "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."

Schmidt’s father had explained to ABC 7 that his son was walking home from the bar after watching the NBA Finals with friends.

"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. "I'm shocked when they stole his phone that he chased them."

The university said in a statement that it was “heartbroken over the tragic death of William Schmidt” and it shares its condolences with his family and friends.