October 7, 2023
Suspect Identified in Philly Queer Journalist Murder but Remains at Large
READ TIME: 2 MIN.
A suspect has been identified in the murder of 39-year-old queer journalist Josh Kruger last Monday in Philadelphia. Kruger died on the street outside his townhouse early on Monday after being shot seven times during the home invasion.
NBC News reports that Kruger knew the assailant and was trying to assist him with personal issues.
"Robert Edmond Davis, 19, was identified as the "offender" in Kruger's slaying and a warrant was issued for his arrest, Lt. Hamilton Marshmond said at a news conference Friday afternoon. Davis should be considered armed and dangerous, police said. Anyone who knows his location should contact authorities, they said."
Marshmond continued: "At this time we believe that Mr. Kruger was trying to help Mr. Davis, and they were acquaintances. He was just trying to help him just get through life." He said the suspect might have been homeless at some point. Additional details about the relationship were unavailable.
Authorities are unclear as to how the shooter entered Kruger's home, but there was no evidence of a forced entry according to police. Marshmond added that police didn't believe Davis had been staying at Kruger's home at the time. The suspect was seen early Monday on security video reviewed by police. Investigators remain unsure as to motive. "As to the why, I do not know at this time," Marshmond said. Police have not had contact with the suspect since the murder.
NBC News wrote about Kruger: "The journalist was known in the community as a social justice advocate and had worked for Mayor Jim Kenney's administration as a spokesperson for the Office of Homeless Services. He also wrote for various news outlets including The Philadelphia Citizen and The Philadelphia Inquirer.
"At Friday's news conference, Prosecutor Bob Listenbee read a statement from District Attorney Larry Krasner, which described Kruger as 'an openly queer writer who wrote about his own journey surviving substance use disorder and homelessness.'"
