A Penn State University student was shot and killed near his home in Philadelphia early Saturday morning, according to police. William Schmidt, 22, was found with a gunshot wound to the chest around 1:30 a.m. and was pronounced dead at a local hospital shortly after. Authorities have not announced any arrests or a motive in the case.**
Schmidt, a senior studying digital journalism and media at Penn State World Campus, was set to graduate in December. Police confirmed he was shot while chasing individuals who allegedly stole his phone. Security footage reviewed by investigators shows Schmidt asking for his phone back before several shots were fired. One man was seen throwing a cellphone before another individual ran around a corner, pursued by Schmidt, who was then shot.
The Philadelphia Police Department is urging anyone with information to come forward. A neighbor expressed frustration over the lack of arrests, stating, 'I want justice, I want the kid that shot Billy to be found.' Schmidt's father, Bill Schmidt, told local media his son was returning from a bar where he had been watching the NBA Finals with friends. 'He was a really good person who cared about everybody,' Bill Schmidt said. 'For him to get shot like that is a travesty.'
Penn State University released a statement expressing condolences to Schmidt's family and friends. Police have not provided further details on potential suspects or a timeline for the investigation.