Robert Davis: 'Armed and dangerous' suspect still at large in journalist Josh Kruger's murder
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA: Robert Davis, the 19-year-old suspect in the shooting of Philadelphia journalist and community advocate Josh Kruger, 39, is "armed and dangerous," says Pennsylvania police.
A warrant citing "murder and related offenses" is out for Davis' arrest. Police have been able to narrow in on Davis following multiple tips and a video of the incident prior to the murder, reports the Daily Mail.
According to homicide unit Lt Hamilton Marshmond, Kruger was shot seven times on October 2 inside his two-story South Philadelphia townhouse by the accused.
"Our goal is to have Mr Davis taken into custody in a safe manner for the public, our officers, and himself," said Marshmond.
Kruger and Davis knew each other, said the investigators, and it appears that the journalist had been trying to help his alleged assailant.
Davis had been reportedly going through various troubles including homelessness.
Kruger had worked for five years in his city's government from 2016 to 2021. He was able to make it outside to seek help after being shot but succumbed to his wounds about a half hour later at a local hospital.
Investigators believe that the shooting took place around 1:30 am on October 2. There were no signs of a forced entry at Kruger's home.
Kruger and Davis might have been in a relationship
A law enforcement source reportedly told The Philadelphia Enquirer that detectives believe the shooting was domestic in nature.
Kruger fought homelessness and addiction and came to manage social media for his city's Democratic mayor James Kenney.
Shocked and saddened by Josh Kruger’s death. He cared deeply about our city and its residents, which was evident in his public service and writing.
— Mayor Jim Kenney (@PhillyMayor) October 2, 2023
Our administration was fortunate to call him a colleague, and our prayers are with everyone who knew him. https://t.co/dnRxQ0Ic3W
“Josh cared deeply about our city and its residents, which was evident both in his public service and in his writing,” remembered Kenney.
“His intelligence, creativity, passion, and wit shone bright in everything that he did, and his light was dimmed much too soon.”
Kruger left city government to report on causes he deemed important
At the time of his death, Kruger was back doing journalism, writing for the Philadelphia Inquirer, Philadelphia Weekly, Philadelphia City Paper, among others.
Kruger often covered the prevalence of homelessness and drugs in urban settings, things that he had once personally suffered.
He had been diagnosed with HIV while on the streets, which he had conquered with medication and a healthier lifestyle.
He was also openly gay, and regularly wrote about the marginalized and displaced people in society.
