Billy Schmidt, 22, was shot and killed in the early morning hours of June 6, 2026, on the 1900 block of Durfor Street in South Philadelphia, just steps from his family’s home. A senior at Penn State studying digital journalism and media, Schmidt was walking home around 1:30 a.m. after watching an NBA Finals game with friends. According to police, two people confronted him in an apparent robbery and took his cell phone; when Schmidt pursued them and asked for it back, one of the suspects fired a single shot that struck him in the chest. He was taken to a nearby hospital and died of his injuries.

Surveillance footage released by police shows two suspects before the encounter and as they fled, discarding hoodies and masks. Investigators described one suspect as a Black male about 5 feet 8 inches tall with braided hair, wearing a gray KONFUSED brand hoodie with skulls and crossbones.

The city has offered a $20,000 reward for information leading to an arrest and conviction. No arrests or convictions in Schmidt’s murder have been announced and the investigation is ongoing. If anyone knew Billy, saw activity on Durfor Street that night, or has information about the suspects, please come forward.