PHILADELPHIA, PA – In a tragic turn of events, a 19-year-old man has been found guilty of the shooting and killing of a 21-year-old Temple University student in 2021. The convicted man, Latif Williams, was charged with third-degree murder and gun charges in the death of Samuel Collington. The young victim was shot in front of his college apartment on the 2200 block of North Park Avenue in November 2021. Williams’ sentencing is scheduled for May 1, according to the Philadelphia District Attorney’s Office.
The victim, Samuel Collington, was a senior political science student at Temple University, set to graduate from the College of Liberal Arts in the spring of 2022. Described as an incredibly talented and engaged young man, Collington also worked as a fellow in the office of the City Commissioner.
The tragic incident was characterized by Collington’s mother as a “horrible injustice” and “travesty.” During an interview with NBC10, she expressed her determination to bring the person responsible to justice, emphasizing the profound impact of the senseless act on her family.
Although the motive for the shooting has not been disclosed by the police, the District Attorney’s office suggested that video evidence indicated the shooting may have been part of a carjacking or robbery. Collington, in a display of bravery, appeared to fight back even after being shot, as per the DA’s office. The continued fight for justice for the victim reflects the impact of gun violence on communities in Philadelphia, a complex and pervasive issue.
Emphasizing the impact of gun violence, community leaders and officials expressed their determination to work with community partners in identifying solutions to the crisis. Despite the arrest of the suspect, the call for vigilance in addressing the issue of gun violence remains a priority for the city.
Despite the tremendous loss felt by those close to Collington, the hope is that the arrest of the suspect will mark the beginning of healing for his family and the Temple University community. The tragic loss of a promising young man has left a deep impact, reinforcing the urgency of addressing the pervasive issue of gun violence.