Vigils held for slain real estate developer Sean Schellenger

CENTER CITY (WTXF) - Speaker after speaker took turns speaking about 37-year-old Sean Schellenger's love of community and, as a real estate developer, his commitment to improving the city while not leaving anyone behind.

Co-workers, neighbors, community workers and family members remembered a charismatic young man that came across as genuine and caring.

"Family was the most important thing in his life," said Schellenger's father.

Sean was murdered at 17th and Chancellor Thursday night. Police say he got out of a car to navigate a traffic jam. He may have argued with 20-year-old Michael White, a college student riding a bike. Authorities say White stabbed Sean once in the back. The suspect turned himself in a day later.

"He's a beautiful person. He wanted good for his family. He wanted good," Schellenger's father said.

Across town, another family prays for Sean, at a community center at 57th and Lancaster. They are the loved ones of White, who now sits in a jail cell.

Spokesperson Greg Thompson says the White family have been moved by the grief of those who knew and loved his alleged victim and wanted to send a message.

"They are sorry for their loss and they pray for his soul. And, they pray they find peace," Thompson said.