Authorities have arrested a 16-year-old linked to the murder of Billy Schmidt, a Penn State student. The arrest occurred in Colorado. Both 16-year-olds will face adult charges for the crime, according to Philadelphia police. Meanwhile, the hunt continues for another suspect, Kaiseem Smith. The search has intensified as the U.S. Marshals issue a wanted poster.
In related developments, Khadfi Fleming, 19, is now wanted in connection with another crime in Philadelphia. This incident involved an off-duty police officer who exchanged gunfire with car thieves. The U.S. Marshals are offering a reward for information on Fleming’s whereabouts. The confrontation began when thieves attempted to steal the officer’s Dodge Charger. Luckily, nobody was harmed during the shootout.
The investigation revealed that the suspects fled in another stolen car, a Lexus. Authorities found the vehicle abandoned later. The U.S. Marshals have identified Fleming as a person of interest in the episode and emphasize he hasn’t faced charges for this particular incident yet.
Khadfi Fleming had been under police scrutiny before due to ties with the robbery during which Billy Schmidt lost his life. Schmidt, 22, suffered a fatal gunshot wound on June 6 while walking home from an NBA Finals watch party. Surveillance footage captured the moments leading up to the shooting, showing Schmidt pleading for his stolen phone. His father, Bill Schmidt, noted his son always cared for others.
In the wake of Schmidt’s killing, authorities were in pursuit of two 16-year-old suspects, including Fleming’s younger sibling. U.S. Marshals apprehended Azzubair Outen-Fleming in Colorado, where he initially tried to hide his identity. Deputy Commissioner Frank Vanore confirmed Outen-Fleming faces a murder charge.
The second suspect, Kaiseem Smith, eventually surrendered to the police. Investigations press on with a focus on Khadfi Fleming’s possible involvement in the Monday confrontation. Authorities encourage anyone with information to contact the U.S. Marshals Service at 1-866-865-TIPS (8477).