Crime07 June, 20262 min read
Billy Schmidt, 22, Shot And Killed In South Philadelphia After Phone Demand
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Billy Schmidt, 22, Penn State senior, shot on 1900 block of Durfor Street. Two robbers demanded his phone; he handed it over and pursued suspects.
Phone robbery turns deadly
Penn State senior Billy Schmidt, 22, was shot and killed in South Philadelphia around 1:30 a.m. Saturday while walking home near 20th and Durfor streets after watching the NBA Finals at a local bar.
“Video also captured Schmidt saying, ‘Give me back my phone.’”
Police said Schmidt was shot in the chest after two young men demanded his cell phone, and he was rushed to Penn Presbyterian Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead at 1:47 a.m.
Surveillance video described by NBC10 shows Schmidt saying, "Give me back my phone" seconds before a gunshot was heard, and 6abc reported a man throwing a cell phone before another man ran around a corner with Schmidt chasing him.
Schmidt’s father, Bill Schmidt, later told 6abc that he found his son’s phone under a car and turned it in to police, while investigators continued reviewing surveillance video as the investigation remained ongoing.
Family and neighbors demand answers
Bill Schmidt described his son as "a really good person who cared about everybody and never hurt or bothered a soul, never bothered anyone" after the shooting, and he said he was "shocked when they stole his phone that he chased them." Neighbors told NBC10 they wanted the person responsible found quickly, with one saying, "I want the kid that shot Billy to be found," and another urging anyone with information to come forward to give his parents some justice.
6abc quoted neighbor Michael Smith saying, "The neighbors, we come together, it's really important," as residents created a memorial at the location across the street from where Schmidt lived. Police have not announced any arrests, and investigators have not released a motive, even as surveillance video and neighborhood-provided footage were used to piece together the moments before the shooting.
Investigation and public help
NBC10 said homicide investigators were reviewing surveillance video that captured Schmidt’s final moments before the shooting near 20th and Durfor streets, and it urged anyone with information to contact the Philadelphia Police Department at 215-686-TIPS (8477) or anonymously online. Penn State released a statement saying, "We are heartbroken this morning to learn of the tragic death of William Schmidt," and it said William was a fourth semester student from Philadelphia studying digital journalism and media at Penn State World Campus.
Daily Voice reported that police used video evidence to track down the killers and that a vigil was planned for 7:00 PM on June 11, 2026 at 20h and Dufor Streets. While police continued searching for suspects, 6abc said neighbors began creating a memorial at the location where Schmidt was shot and that they had assisted investigators by providing surveillance footage, including a video showing a man throwing a cell phone and another running away as Schmidt chased.