PHILADELPHIA, PA – A 19-year-old man, Robert Edmond Davis, has been identified as the prime suspect in the murder of renowned Philadelphia journalist and community advocate, Josh Kruger, according to police reports on Friday. Authorities have issued an arrest warrant for Davis, who is considered armed and dangerous.
Kruger was a prominent advocate for the LGBTQ+ community, homeless Philadelphians, and individuals battling addiction. He was reportedly known to Davis prior to his untimely death. Police speculate that Kruger may have been providing guidance to the teenager, as stated by Lt. Hamilton Marshmond during a Friday press conference.
Marshmond also suggested that Davis may have experienced homelessness in the past, although further details about their relationship remain undisclosed. The police are urging anyone with information about Davis’s whereabouts to contact them immediately.
Kruger, 39, was found shot in his home early Monday morning, suffering from seven gunshot wounds to his chest and abdomen. The circumstances surrounding the shooter’s entry into Kruger’s home remain unclear, as there were no signs of forced entry. Police do not believe Davis was residing at Kruger’s home at the time of the incident.
Security footage reviewed by the police places Davis at the scene of the crime early Monday. The motive behind the murder is still under investigation. Marshmond expressed gratitude to the public, as well as Kruger’s family and friends, for their assistance in the investigation, which led to the swift identification of Davis. The charges against Davis include murder and related offenses, and police are urging the suspect to turn himself in.
Kruger was a well-respected figure in the community, known for his social justice advocacy. He served as a spokesperson for the Office of Homeless Services under Mayor Jim Kenney’s administration and contributed to various news outlets, including The Philadelphia Citizen and The Philadelphia Inquirer.