Suspect in off-duty Philadelphia officer’s car theft linked to killing of Penn State student: police
A man who's wanted in a recent theft of an off-duty police officer's car in Philadelphia is also a person of interest in the murder of a Penn State University student killed in June.
Billy Schmidt, 22, was killed during an armed robbery attempt that happened June 6 at about 1:30 a.m. Officers found the college student with a gunshot wound to his chest. He was taken to a hospital but pronounced dead at 1:47 a.m.
Police said 19-year-old Khadfi Fleming was allegedly involved in the theft of an off-duty police officer's car in Philadelphia.
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According to officials, officers in the area of 70th Street and Lindbergh Boulevard observed a red Lexus traveling without headlights, with a dark SUV following behind it. Two males were then seen running toward the Lexus before shots were fired.
Police said the suspects stole a green Dodge Charger belonging to an off-duty police officer, who pursued them and confronted them before gunfire was heard.
Officials said Fleming is also a person of interest in the murder of Schmidt.
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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.
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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.