Philadelphia Theft Suspect Linked to Penn State Student Killing

Investigators in Philadelphia are also searching for a man wanted in the recent theft of an off-duty police officer’s vehicle, and police say he is a person of interest in Schmidt’s murder.

Schmidt, 22, was fatally shot during an attempted armed robbery on June 6 at about 1:30 a.m. Officers found the Penn State student with a gunshot wound to the chest. He was rushed to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead at 1:47 a.m.

Police identified 19-year-old Khadfi Fleming as allegedly being involved in the theft of an off-duty Philadelphia police officer’s car.

Officials said officers near 70th Street and Lindbergh Boulevard spotted a red Lexus being driven without headlights, with a dark SUV following behind it. Moments later, two males were seen running toward the Lexus before gunshots rang out.

According to police, the suspects stole a green Dodge Charger owned by an off-duty police officer. The officer pursued the suspects and confronted them before gunfire was heard.

Authorities said Fleming remains a person of interest in Schmidt’s killing as the investigation continues.

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.

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.