06/09/2026
A 22-year-old Penn State senior was shot dead just steps away from his home in South Philadelphia.
On Saturday, June 6, Billy Schmidt was returning home from a local bar after watching the NBA Finals with friends when he was shot dead on the 1900 block of Durfor Street at around 1:30 a.m. local time, ABC7 Eyewitness News, NBC10 Philadelphia and FOX 29 Philadelphia reported.
In surveillance footage provided by a neighbor and obtained by the outlets, Billy, 22, is seen walking toward another man and saying, “Give me back my phone!” Moments later, another man walking ahead of Billy turns around and shoots him in the chest.
“He was chasing the kid who took the phone. Another kid came around and shot him,” the victim’s father, Bill, alleged to FOX 29.
Billy was studying digital journalism and media communications at Penn State University. He was due to graduate in December, per the New York Post.
Penn State said in a statement, per NBC10, “We are heartbroken this morning to learn of the tragic death of William [Billy] Schmidt, and we share are deepest condolences with his family and friends.”
The Philadelphia Police Department (PPD) is currently searching for the suspects involved in the alleged theft and shooting. No arrests have been made at this time, according to ABC7, NBC10 and FOX 29.
"I'm shocked when they stole his phone that he chased them. The kid he is very lowkey,” Bill told ABC7. "I want to find the two people and make them pay.”
“[Billy] was a really good person who cared about everybody and never hurt or bothered a soul,” Bill said of his son to ABC7. “[He] never bothered anyone and for him to get shot like that is a travesty.”
Anna told FOX 29 through tears, “I miss him so much, I don’t understand how someone could do this to me and my family," adding, "I just think he's going to walk through the door ... I want justice for him, for my family.
