Steven E. Simminger, 40, Media, Delaware County, in a Devils hate.
Credit: Facebook
A seemingly pointless argument over a New Jersey Devils’ cap has changed the lives of many and ended the life of a Council Rock High School South graduate.
At a Monday afternoon press conference, Philadelphia police discussed the fatal Sunday morning stabbing in Rittenhouse Square in Center City. Police discussed the argument between Council Rock alumni Colin McGovern, 24, of Northampton, and military veteran Steven E. Simminger, 40, Media, Delaware County, and the act of violence that concluded it.
Philadelphia Police Department Homicide Capt. James Clark said the argument over the cap between McGovern, his friend and Simminger escalated quickly into a full out brawl. McGovern ended up on top of Simminger before the 40 year old plunged a knife he had with him into the torso of McGovern multiple times.
City cops were alerted to the incident at 3:02 a.m. when 9-1-1 was called. Officers and medics arrived to good Samaritans aiding the 24 year old. Simminger, who was visiting friends in the city, ended up fleeing the scene before police arrived, authorities said.
Colin McGovern
Credit: Facebook
By 3:36 a.m., McGovern was pronounced dead at Hahnemann University Hospital. Medical staff tried to save his life but their efforts were in vain.
Simminger ended up stopping into a hospital in southwest Philadelphia around daybreak Sunday for treatment of a hand injury and to received a mental health evaluation. Hospital staff reported Simminger told them he was in a fight previously, Clark told reporters.
An anonymous call ended up alerting investigators that the 40 year old was at the hospital.
Police said Simminger did not appear intoxicated at the time of the stabbing.
Clark said investigators used surveillance video and statements from numerous witnesses to piece together what happened in the stabbing.
McGovern and the two friends he was with ended up at popular Rittenhouse Square in a taxi after a night of “bar-hopping.”
Steven E. Simminger Credit: Philly police
According to court records obtained by NewtownPANow.com, Simminger had several intoxicated driving arrest on his record. Philly.com reported that Simminger had previously been arrested for assault, harassment, corruption of minors, false imprisonment and reckless driving. However, the news website did not report further information on that arrest.
McGovern’s friends began placing comments about his untimely passing to social media only hours after the stabbing.
“I have no words. The level of disregard for human life is frightening today. I’m praying for the McGovern Family. RIP Colin,” one friend tweeted.
“Wishing this was all just a dream. miss your infectious smile & the way you brighten up the room so much,” one friend wrote on Facebook.
Simminger is charged with homicide and related offenses. He is jailed without bail.
Editor’s Note: All individuals arrested or charged with a crime are presumed innocent until proven guilty. The story was compiled using information from police and public court documents.
