PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — An arrest warrant has been issued for the suspect wanted for the shooting death of local journalist and LGBTQ advocate Josh Kruger, Philadelphia police announced on Friday.
Police said they identified 19-year-old Robert Davis as the suspect. Lieutenant Hamilton Marshmond said police have video of Davis in the area outside Kruger’s home just before his murder, but stopped short of saying they had video of him entering the home. An arrest warrant was approved on Friday for murder charges and related offenses.
Davis is considered armed and dangerous, police said. Anyone who sees him or knows his whereabouts is asked to call 911.
Kruger was shot seven times inside his Point Breeze home, at 23rd and Watkins streets, earlier this week. Around 1:30 a.m., police said the 39-year-old collapsed in the street after seeking help. He was taken to the hospital and was pronounced dead around 2:15 a.m.
Kruger was a longtime journalist in Philadelphia and an advocate for the LGBTQ and homeless communities. He served as the spokesperson for the city’s Office of Homeless Services from about 2016 to 2021.
Police said Kruger and Davis likely knew each other and Kruger was trying to help Davis, as he may have been homeless at some point.
Police said they had been aware of Davis from past offenses. Officials would not expand further.
According to court filings, Davis was charged with criminal trespassing in August.