Philadelphia’s police department has made public a video featuring two individuals wanted in connection with the tragic murder of a Pennsylvania State University student. The student was returning home after watching an NBA Finals game when the incident occurred.
The release of the footage follows the death of 22-year-old Billy Schmidt, who was fatally shot during an attempted armed robbery early Saturday morning at around 1:30 a.m. Responding officers discovered Schmidt suffering from a gunshot wound to the chest. Despite being rushed to a nearby hospital, he was pronounced dead shortly after arrival at 1:47 a.m.
On Wednesday night, authorities unveiled surveillance footage showing the two suspects linked to Schmidt’s murder and the attempted robbery. The video indicates that the pair discarded their sweatshirts and masks in the vicinity of 22nd and Porter Streets.
The released surveillance video provides key visuals of the suspects. According to the Philadelphia Police Department, the footage is critical to the investigation.
The shooter has been identified by police as a Black male, standing between 5’3″ and 5’5″. He was reportedly dressed in all dark clothing, accompanied by a light gray camouflage facemask, and was armed with a handgun during the incident.
The second suspect was described by police 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.”
Police said one of the suspects is wearing a custom designed “KONFUSED” hoodie with a “design on the front that includes three skulls and crossbones with a bejeweled halo above each skull.” (Philadelphia Police Department)
Investigators said Schmidt was on his way home after he watched the NBA Finals with his friends when he was robbed at about 1:30 a.m. Saturday.
Earlier released surveillance video appears to show Schmidt saying, “Give me my phone” as he chased the suspects. A phone could be seen thrown on the ground, then seconds later a gunshot could be heard.
Schmidt was a senior at Penn State, where he was set to graduate in December. (Provided by family/Fox29)
Schmidt was a student at Penn State World Campus studying journalism, and was set to graduate in December.
His father, Bill Schmidt, told Fox News in an interview he found his son’s phone at the crime scene.
Police released video of the two suspects in the killing and murder of Billy Schmidt. (Philadelphia Police Department)
“I found the phone on 19th. I called police after. I didn’t realize I touched it,” he said. “They’re trying to get DNA, and they have a print on the phone, but they don’t know if it’s mine, Billy’s, or the person who threw it. But they’re trying get DNA off the phone.”
Anna Schmidt, Billy Schmidt’s sister, said “I hope they find these animals and put them in cages for the rest of their lives.”
Billy Schmidt was shot and killed on Saturday. (Bill Schmidt)
“They deserve to spend the rest of their life in jail for taking away my brother. And I don’t think no one will ever understand this pain that they have caused. They are animals for doing that to him. He was unarmed. And all this for a phone? It just doesn’t even make sense,” she said.
The Philadelphia Police Department is asking anyone with information about the suspects to contact 215-686-3334/3335 and is offering a reward of $20,000 for information that leads to an arrest and conviction.
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