Teen Wanted in Killing of Penn State Student Now Accused of Shooting at Officer in Attempted Carjacking
A 19-year-old wanted in connection with the killing of Penn State student Billy Schmidt is reportedly a person of interest in the attempted theft of an off-duty police officer’s car.
Kadafi Fleming is already wanted on robbery charges related to the fatal Saturday, June 6 incident, where 22-year-old Schmidt was returning home from a local bar after watching the NBA Finals with friends and was shot dead in the 1900 block of Durfor Street at around 1:30 a.m., ABC 7, NBC 10 and FOX 29 reported.
In surveillance footage obtained by the outlets, Schmidt can be seen walking toward another man and saying, “Give me back my phone!” Moments later, another man walking ahead of Schmidt turns around and shoots him in the chest.
“He was chasing the kid who took the phone. Another kid came around and shot him,” the victim’s father told FOX 29.
Fleming’s younger brother, Azzubair Outen-Fleming, 16, was captured by U.S. Marshals in Colorado and is facing murder charges in connection with Schmidt’s death, authorities said, CBS News reported.
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Now, WPVI was the first to report, U.S. Marshals allege Kadafi Fleming is also a person of interest in the attempted theft of an off-duty police officer’s Dodge Charger.
According to the outlet, the suspects allegedly broke into the vehicle just after 3 a.m. on Monday, Aug. 10, pushed it around the block and then attempted to start the car before the off-duty officer encountered them and fired several shots.
Supervisory Deputy U.S. Marshal Robert Clark told the outlet that Fleming and other suspects exchanged gunfire with the officer before fleeing.
The suspects were unsuccessful in stealing the car and got away in a stolen vehicle, the outlet reported.
“We have a very good reputation for catching people, and you will be caught; it’s only a matter of time,” Clark said.
In a post on X, the U.S. Marshals Service Philadelphia wrote: “USMS Philly is offering an immediate cash reward for Fleming, 19, who is wanted for robbery. Fleming is also a person of interest in the aggravated assault of an off-duty @PhillyPolice officer that occurred Aug. 10, in the 2900 block of S. 70th. Tips to 1-866-865-TIPS(8477).”
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“Anyone who shoots at police on or off-duty we consider an immediate and deadly threat,” Clark told WPVI.
In Fleming’s case, Clark alleged, “This is an individual that at 19 years old has a significant criminal history. He’s been locked up for firearms, possession, resisting arrest, possession of a stolen vehicle … He is someone that’s known to the law.”
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Kaiseem Smith, 16, who was also wanted in connection with Schmidt’s death, is now in custody.
Schmidt was studying digital journalism and media communications at Penn State and was a fourth-semester student from Philadelphia at the time of his killing, the university confirmed to PEOPLE in a statement.
Anyone with any information about the incident are urged to contact the PPPD at 215-686-TIPS (8477) or anonymously online here.
The U.S. Marshals service did not immediately respond to PEOPLE’s request for comment.
