Rittenhouse Deadly Stabbing Suspect Michael White Released From Jail, Placed On House Arrest
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PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - A young man charged in a deadly stabbing in Rittenhouse Square has been released from jail after posting bail.
Michael White, 21, was released from the Curran Fromhold Correctional Facility Monday morning, according to a CFCF spokeswoman. White was fitted with an ankle bracelet and will be on house arrest.
White's family released this photo Monday after his release.
"It's a blessing. I'm glad he is home," said Quinnell Armstrong, White's uncle. "He has a way to go and we have a long way to go to finish up the case."
White's supporters gathered the $15,000 he needed to post bail. He had been in jail since surrendering to police last month.
Last Wednesday, Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner reduced a first-degree murder charge against White to third-degree murder and voluntary manslaughter and had his bail set at $150,000. White is accused of fatally stabbing 37-year-old Sean Schellenger on July 12. Schellenger was a real estate developer in Philadelphia.
Police say Schellenger was riding with two others in a Mercedes-Benz when a confrontation ensued with White near 17th and Chancellor Streets. Investigators say White, who was delivering food on his bicycle, got into an argument with Schellenger over a traffic issue. A struggle took place and police say White stabbed Schellenger once in the back.
White's attorney, Daniel Stevenson, said his client was acting in self-defense.
White's aunt and uncle have been with him since his release this morning and say he is still in shock over the incident. As they work with him on his case, they haven't lost sight of Schellenger, his mother and what their family is going through, too.
"We just can't imagine you know how she is feeling, because we are not in that position. So we are sorry for your loss. As well right now, my nephew is truly understanding. He has his condolences as well too, he just can't say right now," White's family says,
On the advice of his attorney, Michael White is not speaking out personally.
The next time we expect to hear from him is at a status hearing in court, mid-October.
