Student Shot Dead After Chasing Robbers Who Stole His Phone

A 22-year-old Penn State student who was preparing for his senior year was shot and killed in South Philadelphia after he tried to stop a group of robbers who stole his phone, authorities and loved ones said.

William “Billy” Schmidt was walking home around 1:30 a.m. Saturday after watching the NBA Finals with friends when he was confronted near his family’s home at 20th and Durfor streets, according to reports.

Surveillance footage reportedly captured the horrifying moments before the shooting. Two young men were seen speaking with Schmidt before walking away. Moments later, Schmidt could be heard pleading, “Give me back my phone.”

Then a gunshot rang out.

Schmidt was rushed to Penn Presbyterian Medical Center, but doctors could not save him.

His father, Bill Schmidt, said the killing has left the family devastated — especially because the stolen phone was later found tossed under a car.

“He was a really good person who cared about everybody and never hurt or bothered a soul,” his grieving father told ABC 7. “For him to get shot like that is a travesty.”

The father said he was stunned that his son chased after the robbers.

“I’m shocked when they stole his phone that he chased them,” he said. “Supposedly when he got to the corner another came out and he shot him.”

Neighbors were equally horrified by the senseless violence.

“Over a phone. It’s abhorrent,” nearby resident Ezra Roulinavage told NBC 10. “It’s just unbelievable that someone would kill someone over a phone.”

Schmidt was remembered by family and neighbors as a kind, decent young man with a bright future ahead of him. He was studying digital journalism and media at Penn State World Campus and was expected to graduate in December.

Penn State released a statement mourning his death.

“We are heartbroken this morning to learn of the tragic death of William Schmidt, and we share our deepest condolences with his family and friends,” the university said. “William was a fourth semester student from Philadelphia studying digital journalism and media at Penn State World Campus.”

No arrests have been made so far, and police are still investigating.

One neighbor pleaded for anyone who knows the suspects to come forward so Schmidt’s family can get justice.

“I want the kid that shot Billy to be found,” the neighbor told NBC 10. “If anyone has any information or recognizes anything about the kids, I would love for them to come forward and give his parents some justice.”

Schmidt’s death has shaken the South Philadelphia neighborhood, where residents are now left grieving a young life cut short in a robbery that ended with a phone discarded under a car — and a family forever changed.