Latif Williams fatally shot Samuel Sean Collington outside the victim’s apartment in near Temple University on Nov. 28, 2021, authorities said. (Mug shot: Philadelphia Police Department; image of Collington and the scene of the crime: WCAU)
Pennsylvania jurors have convicted a young man of killing another young man he carjacked near the victim’s school.
Latif Williams, 19, is scheduled to be sentenced on May 1 for fatally shooting Temple University political science student Samuel Sean Collington, 21. Charges are third-degree murder, possession of an instrument of crime, and illegal possession of a firearm.
“He will also be tried for a separate carjacking of an elderly man, also in 2021, that day before the same judge,” wrote the Philadelphia District Attorney’s Office on Tuesday.
“The District Attorney’s Office is grateful for the conviction of Latif Williams for this outrageous crime, which not only deeply impacted Mr. Collington’s family and loved ones but affected the entire Temple University community. I again extend my deepest condolences for the terrible loss of a promising young man,” District Attorney Larry Krasner said.
The crime took place on Nov. 28, 2021. Surveillance footage showed Williams and Collington struggling after the first shot was fired, according to CBS News.
“It doesn’t mean that everyone who has, uses, wields a gun has the specific intent to kill or thinks about something like that happening,” defense lawyer Marni Snyder reportedly said. “It’s always a tragedy when something like this happens.”
BREAKING: Latif Williams, 17, surrendered a short time ago to homicide detectives — a murder warrant was issued for his arrest, in connection to the fatal shooting on Sunday of Samuel Collington, 21. @CBSPhilly pic.twitter.com/AjLoVrRftP
— Joe Holden (@JoeHoldenCBS3) December 2, 2021
From Collington’s obituary:
Sam was and will always be his family’s hero. He was an accomplished young man who achieved so much in his short life. Sam had such a promising future. All who knew him are devastated by the senseless act that killed him.
Sam graduated from Interboro High School, Class of 2018, class president in junior and senior years. He was involved in band, theater, and National Honor Society and was voted Most Likely to Succeed.
Sam volunteered tirelessly to raise awareness for the issues that meant the most to him in his free time. When he saw something broken, he wanted to fix it. His senior year, Sam organized a walk-out in solidarity with the Parkland students. He achieved the rank of Eagle Scout and erected a flagpole at the Norwood Library as part of his service to the community. When not working, Sam was an avid camper and fisherman. Sam was hilarious, and he loved to make people laugh.
Williams was 17 when the murder took place.
“It’s a loss for both families but sorry it happened,” his uncle, Bo McClary, said, according to CBS News.
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