Background: The suspects walk in the area of the 1900 block of Durfor Street in Philadelphia, Pa. (Philadelphia Police Department). Inset: William “Billy” Schmidt (Pennsylvania Burial Company/Baldi Funeral Home).
A tragic incident unfolded when a 22-year-old man was fatally shot just a short distance from his home in Pennsylvania, following an evening out watching a basketball game with friends. Authorities have reported that two individuals approached and killed him.
The Philadelphia Police Department is actively on the hunt for the two men suspected of murdering William “Billy” Schmidt, in what appears to have been a robbery that turned deadly late Saturday night.
In the early hours, the alleged assailants were seen near the 1900 block of Durfor Street in Philadelphia. Schmidt had been enjoying the NBA Finals matchup between the New York Knicks and San Antonio Spurs at a bar in South Philadelphia, according to his family, who spoke with local ABC affiliate WPVI.
Around 1:30 a.m., as Schmidt made his way home, the suspects confronted him, just a short distance from his family’s residence, and stole his cellphone.
Local media reviewed surveillance video that captured one suspect tossing a cellphone, while another person ran away with Schmidt in pursuit. Tragically, this individual turned and shot Schmidt in the chest.
“I can’t believe he went after them for his phone,” remarked Bill Schmidt, the victim’s father. “From the accounts we’ve received, another person emerged and shot him.”
The suspects then ran and dumped the clothing they were wearing — in one case, a distinctive “custom-designed” gray hooded sweatshirt with skulls and crossbones on it. Police describe the suspects as Black males, with one of them about 5 feet 8 inches tall and the other at least a few inches shorter.
Surveillance footage captured the suspects afterward wearing white T-shirts. The one who fired the shot at Schmidt, according to police, was the shorter suspect, and he used his left hand.
The Philadelphia Police Department is offering a $20,000 reward for anyone who provides information that leads to an arrest and conviction. Anyone with information is urged to contact 911 or the department’s homicide unit at 215-686-3334.
According to Billy Schmidt’s obituary, he “embraced life with enthusiasm and a genuine love for the people around him.”
“Those who knew Billy will remember him for his kind heart, thoughtful nature, and unwavering loyalty,” the obit adds. “He was the type of person who would always make time for family and friends, offering encouragement, laughter, and companionship wherever he went. His warm personality and genuine concern for others left a lasting impression on everyone, fortunate enough to know him.”
