Sean Schellenger was a real estate developer and entrepreneur who was killed in a stabbing incident in Rittenhouse Square, Philadelphia, in 2018. His death sparked a controversy over race, class, and criminal justice in the city. His net worth at the time of his death is not publicly known, but some sources estimate it to be around $10 million.Sean Schellenger Net Worth
Who was Sean Schellenger?
Sean Schellenger was born in 1980 in Reading, Pennsylvania. He grew up in a working-class family and attended Reading High School, where he excelled in football and wrestling. He earned a scholarship to play football at East Stroudsburg University, but dropped out after two years to pursue a career in real estate.
Schellenger started his own company, Streamline Solutions, in 2008. The company specialized in buying, renovating, and selling properties in Philadelphia’s gentrifying neighborhoods. Schellenger was known for his ambitious and aggressive business style, as well as his lavish lifestyle and philanthropic activities. He was involved in several community projects, such as building a playground for a local school and donating money to a youth football league.
Schellenger was also a frequent guest on Fox News and Fox Business, where he commented on real estate trends and politics. He was a supporter of President Donald Trump and a critic of Philadelphia’s progressive district attorney, Larry Krasner.
How did Sean Schellenger die?
On July 12, 2018, Schellenger was riding in an Uber with two friends when they got stuck in traffic near Rittenhouse Square, a wealthy and historic area of Philadelphia. Schellenger got out of the car and tried to direct traffic, but got into an argument with another driver. Michael White, a 20-year-old Black man who was delivering food on his bicycle for Uber Eats, intervened and tried to defuse the situation.
However, things escalated quickly and Schellenger and White got into a physical altercation. White pulled out a knife and stabbed Schellenger once in the back, piercing his heart. White then fled the scene, but later turned himself in to the police.
White claimed that he acted in self-defense, as Schellenger had charged at him and tried to grab his knife. He also said that he feared for his life, as Schellenger had used racial slurs and threatened to kill him. White’s supporters argued that he was a victim of racial profiling and systemic injustice.
Schellenger’s family and friends disputed White’s version of events, saying that Schellenger was not racist or violent, but rather a peacemaker who tried to help others. They also accused White of being the aggressor and the killer, who showed no remorse for his actions. They demanded that White be prosecuted for murder and face the maximum penalty.
What happened to Michael White?
Michael White was initially charged with first-degree murder, which carries a mandatory sentence of life imprisonment without parole. However, the district attorney’s office later reduced the charge to third-degree murder, which carries a maximum sentence of 40 years. The prosecution argued that White had acted with malice and intent to kill when he stabbed Schellenger.
White’s defense team argued that White had acted in self-defense and that he had no malice or intent to kill. They also presented evidence that White had suffered from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) due to witnessing violence and trauma in his childhood.
The case went to trial in October 2019. The jury deliberated for four hours before acquitting White of voluntary manslaughter, the lesser charge that the prosecution had agreed to pursue after dropping the third-degree murder charge. The jury also found White guilty of tampering with evidence, for throwing away his knife and changing his clothes after the stabbing.
White was sentenced to two years of probation for the tampering charge. He also agreed to perform 100 hours of community service and undergo counseling as part of a plea deal.
White’s acquittal sparked mixed reactions from both sides. White’s supporters celebrated his freedom and justice, while Schellenger’s family and friends expressed outrage and disappointment.
What is the legacy of Sean Schellenger?
Sean Schellenger’s death has left a lasting impact on Philadelphia and beyond. His case has been the subject of several documentaries, podcasts, books, and articles that explore the issues of race, class, and criminal justice that it raised.
His family and friends have also continued to honor his memory and legacy through various initiatives. They have established the Sean Schellenger Foundation, which provides scholarships and mentorship to young people who aspire to pursue careers in real estate or entrepreneurship. They have also organized an annual memorial football game and a charity golf tournament to raise funds for the foundation and other causes that Schellenger supported.
Schellenger’s mother, Linda Schellenger, has also become an advocate for victims’ rights and criminal justice reform. She has spoken out against the district attorney’s handling of her son’s case and has called for changes in the laws and policies that affect homicide cases. She has also reached out to other families who have lost loved ones to violence and has offered them support and guidance.
FAQ
How old was Sean Schellenger when he died?
Sean Schellenger was 37 years old when he died on July 12, 2018.
How tall was Sean Schellenger?
Sean Schellenger was 6 feet 2 inches tall and weighed about 220 pounds.
Was Sean Schellenger married?
Sean Schellenger was not married, but he had a girlfriend named Brooke McGowan at the time of his death.
Did Sean Schellenger have any children?
Sean Schellenger did not have any biological children, but he had a close relationship with his girlfriend’s son, who considered him a father figure.
Where is Sean Schellenger buried?
Sean Schellenger was cremated and his ashes were scattered in various places that were meaningful to him, such as the ocean, the mountains, and the football field where he played in high school.