Murder Charge Downgraded For Accused Rittenhouse Stabber

PHILADELPHIA – The 21-year-old man accused of stabbing and killing another man in Rittenhouse Square on July 12 had his murder charge downgraded and held for court after his preliminary hearing was continued Wednesday, documents show.

Michael White, 21, of Philadelphia, was set to appear in court Wednesday morning for his preliminary hearing, but Judge Charles Hayden continued the hearing to Oct. 31 after the defense and prosecution agreed that further investigations are needed on both sides, the District Attorney's office said.

White is accused of stabbing and killing Sean Schellenger, 37, on July 12 in Rittenhouse Square following an alleged altercation between the two.

The DA's office said it needs to conduct further interviews with witnesses. Action News reports the DA's office does have video footage of the attack.

The possession of an instrument of crime charge was held over, a voluntary manslaughter charge was added, and the murder charge was downgraded from first degree to third degree, according to court records.

White's bail was set at 10 percent of $150,000 since the murder charge was reduced, the DA's office said. If he posts bail he will be limited to house arrest, according to the DA's office.

White turned himself over to police on July 14.

Schellinger was stabbed once in the back after getting into an altercation with a man on a bike, believed to be White, police said. The Philadelphia real estate developer was rushed to Jefferson Hospital and pronounced dead at 11:21 p.m., according to police.

It all stemmed from a traffic issue, police said. He and two other men were in a vehicle heading east on Chancellor Street when traffic got snarled at 17th Street.

Schellenger and the two other men got out of their vehicle to try to clear the jam, according to police. That's when police said the White rode up to the scene.

Words were exchanged between White and Schellenger and an altercation then ensued, police said. White – believed to be delivering food – then pulled out a large knife and stabbed Schellenger once in the back, police said.

Police said White fled heading north in the Rittenhouse Square area, leaving his bike and a food delivery bag.

Image via Philadelphia Police