Philadelphia police say 19-year-old Khadfi Fleming is linked to the theft of an off-duty officer’s vehicle and is also a person of interest in the killing of Penn State student Billy Schmidt. Schmidt, 22, was fatally shot during an attempted robbery in Philadelphia early on June 6. Investigators say the cases are connected through suspects seen fleeing after a vehicle theft and a separate robbery that ended in gunfire.
Authorities have arrested Fleming’s 16-year-old brother in Colorado, while another teenager turned himself in, according to police. Fleming remains wanted in connection with the vehicle theft and has not been identified as charged in Schmidt’s killing.
| 1) | Police identify a link between two investigations |
| 2) | Fatal robbery leaves Penn State student dead |
| 3) | Off-duty officer’s vehicle is taken after confrontation |
| 4) | Teen suspects face continuing investigations |
| 5) | Schmidt’s family and university community await answers |
Police identify a link between two investigations
Philadelphia police say Fleming is wanted in connection with the recent theft of a green Dodge Charger belonging to an off-duty police officer. Investigators have also named him a person of interest in the June killing of Billy Schmidt. The designation means detectives are examining a possible connection, but it does not by itself establish criminal responsibility for Schmidt’s death.
The investigations are being conducted in Philadelphia, where both incidents involved armed suspects and vehicles. Police have released surveillance material showing individuals believed to be connected to the killing and are seeking information that could help establish what happened before and after the shooting.
Fatal robbery leaves Penn State student dead
Billy Schmidt, a 22-year-old Penn State World Campus student, was returning home after watching the NBA Finals with friends when he was robbed at approximately 1:30 a.m. on June 6. Officers found him with a gunshot wound to the chest. He was taken to a hospital and was pronounced dead at 1:47 a.m.
Surveillance video reviewed by investigators appears to show Schmidt pursuing the people who allegedly took his phone. The footage reportedly shows a phone being thrown to the ground, followed moments later by the sound of a gunshot. Schmidt was studying journalism and had been expected to graduate in December.
Off-duty officer’s vehicle is taken after confrontation
In the related vehicle theft investigation, officers near 70th Street and Lindbergh Boulevard reportedly saw a red Lexus traveling without headlights while a dark SUV followed behind it. Two males were then seen running toward the Lexus before shots were heard.
Police say the suspects took the green Dodge Charger owned by an off-duty officer. The officer pursued them and confronted them, after which gunfire was heard. Investigators say Fleming was allegedly involved in that theft and are examining whether the same group was connected to the fatal robbery.
Teen suspects face continuing investigations
Fleming’s 16-year-old brother was taken into custody in Colorado in June. A second teenager also surrendered to police. Authorities have said the two 16-year-olds will be charged as adults in connection with the June 6 robbery and shooting.
Fleming remains a wanted figure in the vehicle theft investigation and a person of interest in Schmidt’s death. Police have asked the public to provide information that could help locate him and clarify each suspect’s role. The cases remain active, and the available allegations have not been resolved in court.
Schmidt’s family and university community await answers
Schmidt’s death has drawn attention because he was a university student killed while returning home from an evening with friends. His studies through Penn State World Campus focused on journalism, and his anticipated December graduation underscored the interruption caused by the shooting.
Detectives are working to reconstruct the events through surveillance footage, witness accounts and evidence from both investigations. The central questions include who participated in the robbery, who fired the fatal shot and whether the vehicle theft and killing were carried out by the same people.
| Number | Key Point |
|---|---|
| 1 | Khadfi Fleming is wanted in an off-duty officer’s vehicle theft case. |
| 2 | Police identify Fleming as a person of interest in Billy Schmidt’s killing. |
| 3 | Schmidt was shot during an attempted robbery on June 6. |
| 4 | Two 16-year-olds were taken into custody or surrendered and are expected to face adult charges. |
Summary
Police are investigating whether the theft of an off-duty officer’s car and the fatal robbery of Billy Schmidt involved the same group. The inquiry continues as authorities pursue Khadfi Fleming and assess the roles of three younger suspects. Evidence from surveillance footage, witnesses and the related vehicle case will guide prosecutors as the investigation proceeds.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Khadfi Fleming?
Khadfi Fleming is a 19-year-old whom Philadelphia police say was allegedly involved in the theft of an off-duty officer’s vehicle. Police also consider him a person of interest in the killing of Billy Schmidt.
What happened to Billy Schmidt?
Billy Schmidt, 22, was shot in the chest during an attempted robbery in Philadelphia at about 1:30 a.m. on June 6. He died at a hospital shortly afterward.
What is the status of the other suspects?
Fleming’s 16-year-old brother was arrested in Colorado, and another teenager surrendered to police. Authorities have said both 16-year-olds will be charged as adults in connection with the robbery and shooting.
