Teen arrested in Penn State student’s murder, second suspect wanted
In a significant breakthrough, U.S. Marshals have detained a 16-year-old in Colorado, linked to the tragic murder of Penn State student Billy Schmidt. Philadelphia police have confirmed that both involved teens will be tried as adults for the robbery and subsequent shooting that took place on June 6. Meanwhile, another 16-year-old suspect, Kaiseem Smith, is still at large, with authorities intensifying their pursuit through a wanted poster campaign.
The manhunt in Philadelphia continues, with a suspect wanted in a recent car theft involving an off-duty police officer’s vehicle. This individual is now considered a key person of interest in the fatal shooting of a Penn State student last June.
On the early morning of June 6, Billy Schmidt, 22, fell victim to a violent robbery. The assault occurred around 1:30 a.m., leaving him with a gunshot wound to the chest. Despite efforts to save him, Schmidt was declared dead shortly after being transported to a nearby hospital at 1:47 a.m.
Authorities have named 19-year-old Khadfi Fleming as a suspect in a case involving the theft of an off-duty officer’s car, further connecting him to the larger investigation.
Moreover, police are scrutinizing Khadfi Fleming’s potential involvement in Billy Schmidt’s murder, underlining his pivotal role in the case. (U.S. Marshals Service)
According to officials, officers in the area of 70th Street and Lindbergh Boulevard observed a red Lexus traveling without headlights, with a dark SUV following behind it. Two males were then seen running toward the Lexus before shots were fired.
Police said the suspects stole a green Dodge Charger belonging to an off-duty police officer, who pursued them and confronted them before gunfire was heard.
Officials said Fleming is also a person of interest in the murder of Schmidt.
Billy Schmidt was shot and killed in Philadelphia. (Bill Schmidt)
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.
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.
Police released video of the two suspects in the killing and murder of Billy Schmidt. (Philadelphia Police Department)
Fleming’s 16-year-old brother was taken into custody in Colorado in June, as was a second teenager who turned himself in to police.
Schmidt was a student at Penn State World Campus studying journalism, and was set to graduate in December.