In Remembrance of Austin Metcalf and William “Billy” Schmidt

Senseless acts of violence continue to hit many people hard. It is not just the death of the victim, but also the murderers have wasted their potential in doing great because they were filled with hate and rage. It is also because of the continuation of racial polarization that happens in the United States, even long after the Civil Rights movement.

Recently, two young men have lost their lives to those who have no regard for human life. Their names are Austin Metcalf and William “Billy” Schmidt. These two men had the world at their feet, but their lives were taken in the blink of an eye.

Austin Metcalf

Austin Metcalf was murdered by Karmelo Anthony in cold blood. Anthony learned his fate as he will spend the next 35 years in prison. Like Metcalf, his life has been wasted. Yet, Anthony will live with the callous decision of taking away the life of another.

His father, Jeff Metcalf, spoke out after Anthony’s guilty verdict. Reflecting on the threats and doxxing attempts on him and his family, he said that "I would hope they take a look in the mirror," he said. "And if you have children and if it was your child who was murdered, would you like people dragging his name through the mud, making memes, making jokes, and just really vile comments? ... This is day one of a long healing process. Because honestly, it's been impossible to start healing until this trial was complete."

William “Billy” Schmidt

As someone who has made frequent visits to the South Philly neighborhood, I have heard many stories of how the community, in a way, knew one another. The section of the city has thriving Catholic parishes and even great attractions like two popular steak shops.

It was in the same neighborhood that a fictional underdog named Rocky Balboa roamed the streets and went to great lengths to become a one-in-a-million champion. It was there that a prominent political figure would rise up to lead Philadelphia as Mayor and Police Commissioner.

The community was rocked when a rising senior of Penn State, Billy Schmidt, was murdered by an African American teen. As of this article, the Philadelphia Police Department has issued a $20,000 award for the capture of the murderer and his accomplice.

This week, the community held a candlelight vigil. One friend remarked about Billy, “You have left a lasting impact on anyone you have ever spoken to...Bill's legacy is unmatched. Something for all of us to rise to." His kindness, as another friend would say, drew people in.

Two young men are no longer with us thanks to two juveniles who had no regard for human life whatsoever. We must pray for healing for the communities impacted by this senseless bloodshed and pray for God to heal all who have been impacted by these separate tragedies.