Recently released surveillance footage has shed light on the tragic final moments leading up to the death of a Pennsylvania State University student during an attempted armed robbery.
According to the Philadelphia Police Department, 22-year-old Billy Schmidt was near his residence when the robbery attempt unfolded early Saturday morning at around 1:30 a.m. Responding officers discovered Schmidt with a gunshot wound to his chest. He was quickly transported to a nearby hospital, but was pronounced dead at 1:47 a.m.
In the video, Schmidt can be heard demanding, “Give me my phone,” moments before a gunshot rings out.
Bill Schmidt, Billy’s father, shared with ABC7 that his son was returning home after watching the NBA Finals at a bar with friends. Additional footage reveals a man tossing a cellphone, followed by another person sprinting around a corner with Billy Schmidt in pursuit, before he was fatally shot.
This security footage captured key moments of the incident. (Ezra Roulinavage)
“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.”
His sister, Anna Schmidt, told reporters she doesn’t know how anyone could have killed her brother.
Schmidt was a senior at Penn State, where he was set to graduate in December. (Provided by family/Fox29)
“I miss him so much, and I don’t understand how someone can do this,” Anna Schmidt said.
In a statement, Penn State University said Billy Schmidt was studying journalism at Penn State World Campus and was on track to graduate in December.
“We are heartbroken over the tragic death of William Schmidt and we share our deepest condolences with his family and friends,” the university said.
Billy Schmidt was shot and killed on Saturday. (Bill Schmidt)
Police have not made an arrest in connection with the college student’s killing. One neighbor urged anyone with information to help police.
“I want justice, I want the kid that shot Billy to be found,” a neighbor told FOX 29. “If anyone’s out there that recognizes anything… they seem young to me. If anyone has any information or recognizes anything about the kids, I would love for them to come forward.”
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