Authorities say the stabbing suspect, identified as 27-year-old Maynasia Wilkerson, is charged with murder and other related charges.
It happened on the 2600 block of Germantown in North Philadelphia around 8 p.m. Wednesday.
Investigators say Ernest Pickett entered the Germantown convenience store to buy some cigarettes. Surveillance cameras captured him walking out and allegedly stealing a phone from a gaming machine.
Police say the phone belonged to Wilkerson, who was outside the corner store having a smoke.
She chased after Pickett. An altercation ensued and she allegedly stabbed the 38-year-old.
Pickett lived in the neighborhood. His mother spoke with Action News investigative reporter Chad Pradelli.
"I miss my son. I really miss my son. That was my rock," Debra Bethea said.
Police believe Wilkerson called 911 after the stabbing.
Pickett was found dead on the 2600 block of Sartain.
"The motive for this stabbing is an altercation that sprung from the theft or robbery of a phone, " Philadelphia Police Inspector D.F. Pace told reporters on the scene.
Court records reveal Wilkerson has a history of arrests for aggravated assault, theft, and robbery.
Pickett's family admits he too had his own history of legal troubles, but he didn't deserve to die.
"My baby got taken on Christmas from me. It's a hard pill to swallow, but I'll get through it," Bethea added.
Wilkerson remains behind bars. Her lawyer was not immediately known.