Delco man in Rittenhouse Square stabbing found guilty of 1st-degree murder

Steven E. Simminger, 40, of Media, Delaware County, is charged with murder. Police allege he stabbed and killed a 24-year-old Bucks County man walking near Rittenhouse Square early Sunday, March 13, 2016.
Philadelphia Police Department/For PhillyVoice

The Delaware County man who had been accused in a fatal stabbing near Rittenhouse Square early last year was found guilty of first-degree murder on Wednesday.

The conviction capped a two-day trial for Steven Simminger this week in the death of 24-year-old Colin McGovern in March 2016.

Authorities had said that McGovern, of Churchville, Bucks County, and his friends had been out "bar-hopping" and exited a cab near 18th Street and the Center City square. One of McGovern's friends then reportedly saw Simminger was wearing a New Jersey Devils hat and a passing comment on the hat.

Simminger, a 42-year-old military veteran, then pulled out a knife and ultimately stabbed McGovern numerous times.

Philly.com reported that about 20 relatives and friends attended the trial, which largely centered around Simminger's mental state at the time of the stabbing.

Simminger is set to be sentenced to life in prison on Jan. 22.