Source: Sophie Elbaz / Getty
In a case that has elements of race and class, 20-year-old college student Michael White, who is black, has been charged with murder and possession of an instrument of crime in the stabbing death of real estate developer Sean Schellenger, who was white.
White turned himself in to police at 2 a.m. on Saturday, less than two days after he allegedly stabbed Schellenger during a traffic dispute near Rittenhouse Square.
Police say the stabbing occurred around 11 p.m. on Thursday at 17th and Chancellor streets in Rittenhouse Square. According to authorities, Schellenger, 37, was in a vehicle with two other men when a dispute over traffic occurred.
Schellenger reportedly exited the vehicle and encountered White, who was riding a bike. The altercation turned physical, and White allegedly pulled out a large knife and stabbed Schellenger in the back.
White, who participates in the nonprofit Philly Youth Poetry Movement and attends Morgan State University, was working as a bike courier. His family believes he acted in self defense.
White was denied bail. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for August 1st.
https://www.phillymag.com/news/2018/07/16/michael-white-sean-schellenger/#rFhMW48oRljIvUeZ.99
