Michael White Sentenced To Probation For Tossing Knife In Rittenhouse Square Stabbing Death Of Sean Schellenger
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- The man who was acquitted in a 2018 fatal stabbing near Rittenhouse Square was sentenced for a related charge in the case. A judge ordered Michael White no jail time, but two years probation, for tossing a knife after killing real estate developer Sean Schellenger.
White walked out of the Criminal Justice Center in Philadelphia on Thursday, hoping to move on with his life after killing a man in self-defense two years ago.
"I'm just happy this part of my life is over and I can focus on the future, working hard to be the person I always envisioned myself to be," White said outside of the courtroom.
White was previously found not guilty of voluntary manslaughter in the stabbing death of Schellenger. However, White was convicted of tampering with evidence after hiding a bloody knife used in the homicide.
During his sentencing, White apologized to the judge, insisting his crime was a jerk reaction.
"I realize, in the heat of the moment, it wasn't the right thing to do, to toss the knife on the roof," White said. "I apologize for any disruption I may have caused."
Notably absent from the courtroom today was the victims' parents. They released a statement prior to the sentencing.
"Our life sentence began on July 12, 2018, when Sean was fatally stabbed with a deadly weapon. The sentencing is, hopefully, the last episode in Krasner's finely orchestrated obstruction of justice. We have endured enough pain at the hand of The Killer, The DA and Bradford-Grey. Sean Schellenger was intelligent, articulate, successful and kind and no one can ever take those qualities away from him or us!" Schellenger's family said in a statement.
White had served nearly a month in jail before his trial last year. Prosecutors say, considering the time served, the two years of probation ordered by a judge is fair.
"The goal was to have him under supervision for two years, which is exactly what the judge did," Assistant Philadelphia District Attorney Anthony Voci said.
"It ain't behind me yet," White said. "It'll be behind me when I'm off probation."
White says he plans to mentor children and his supporters want to help him do that.
"He's never done anything to get in trouble with the law and this one fateful night turned into something tragic," Andrea Lawful-Sanders said.
Lawful-Sanders is now working to help White become a public speaker.
"Michael should be a good mentor and speaker for young people, to tell them how they can stay out of trouble despite their best intentions," she said.
White says he still prays for the Schellenger family. Looking ahead, White now plans to mentor kids.
"I just want to be an inspiration, that's it," White said.
After the verdict in October 2019, Schellenger's mother, Linda, blamed Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner for fueling racial tensions around the case and announced she plans on filing a civil lawsuit against White.
