Samuel Sean Collington, a 21-year-old male of Delaware County, PA, was tragically shot and killed on November 28, 2021, while returning to his North Philadelphia campus following Thanksgiving break. Collington, a political science major at Temple University, was set to graduate just weeks after his death. He was known for his dedication to community service and activism, having organized events and volunteered extensively.
The suspect in Collington's murder, 19-year-old Latif Williams,
was convicted of third-degree murder, possession of an instrument of crime, and illegal possession of a firearm. Williams, who was 17 at the time of the crime, was found guilty in February 2024 and sentenced to 25 to 50 years in prison in July 2024. The incident was believed to be a carjacking or robbery gone wrong, as surveillance footage showed a struggle between Williams and Collington after the first shot was fired.
Collington's family and friends have been vocal about seeking justice for him, and his mother, Molly Collington, has expressed her gratitude to the Philadelphia District Attorney's Office and the investigators who worked on the case. The community has also held vigils and memorials to honor Collington's memory and continue his legacy of activism and service.
The case has deeply affected the Temple University community and Collington's loved ones, who continue to advocate for justice and remember him as a promising young man whose life was cut short by a senseless act of violence.
