Conviction Reached In Deadly Shooting Of Temple Student From Delco

PHILADELPHIA — The man accused of fatally shooting a 21-year-old Delaware County man who was attending Temple University when he was killed has been convicted of murder.

The Philadelphia District Attorney's Office Tuesday announced Latif Williams, 19, of Philadelphia, was convicted Tuesday on charges of third-degree murder and gun crimes.

Williams shot and killed Samuel Collington, of Prospect Park, was shot to death at about 1:30 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 28, 2021, outside Collington's off-campus apartment on the 2200 block of North Park Avenue.

Collington was set to graduate in the spring of 2022 with a focus on political science and had interned as a Democracy Fellow with the city.

Williams turned himself in to police on Wednesday, Dec. 1, 2021. He was 17 at the time.

Williams was previously charged in connection with an armed carjacking in 2021, but a key witness did not appear in court, which led the case to be withdrawn.

"The District Attorney’s Office is grateful for the conviction of Latif Williams for this outrageous crime, which not only deeply impacted Mr. Collington’s family and loved ones but affected the entire Temple University community. I again extend my deepest condolences for the terrible loss of a promising young man," District Attorney Larry Krasner said. "Thank you to Homicide/Non-Fatal Shootings Unit Supervisor ADA Joanne Pescatore, who prosecuted this case. This conviction is also the work product of the experienced professionals of the PPD, who include Homicide Detectives Joe Murray, Orlando Ortiz, Chris Sweeney, Jim Sloan, and Vince Parker; as well as numerous Crime Scene Unit personnel, DAO victim/witness coordinators, and support staff."

William is scheduled to be sentenced on May 1.