Suspect Identified In The Murder Of Journalist Josh Kruger

Authorities are looking for Robert Edmond Davis, 19, for his alleged involvement in the death of Josh Kruger.

Philadelphia police homicide unit Lt. Hamilton Marshmond said during a Friday news conference that Davis has been listed as a suspect and that a warrant for his arrest “includes the charges of murder and related offenses.”

He also urged the suspect to surrender to police.

“Our goal is to have Mr. Davis taken into custody in a safe manner for the public, our officers and himself,” the police lieutenant said.

Kruger, 39, was shot seven times in the chest and abdomen around 1:30 a.m. inside his home in the Point Breeze neighborhood. Security video showed Davis at his home early in the day, NBC News reported.

Police said that Davis knew the journalist, and he should be considered armed and dangerous, PEOPLE reported.

During the press conference, police also said that Kruger was known for his advocacy for marginalized communities-particularly homeless people living with addiction. It’s possible he may have been counseling the suspect, NBC reported.

Marshmond said that police do not believe that the suspect was staying in the victim’s home, PEOPLE reported.

“At this time we believe that Mr. Kruger was trying to help Mr. Davis, and they were acquaintances,” Marshmond said, adding that the victim “was just trying to help him just get through life.”

The police did not provide any more details about the pair’s relationship or a possible motive.

It is not clear how the shooter ended up in Kruger’s home, and earlier reports showed no signs of forced entry.

After Kruger was shot, he ran outside for help, per the Inquirer. He was then transported to Presbyterian Hospital, where he died.

BREAKING: @PhillyPolice sources tell me that homicide detectives have an arrest warrant for 19 year old Robert Edmond Davis for the murder of Philadelphia journalist Josh Kruger. pic.twitter.com/phHSxJOYIh

— Steve Keeley (@KeeleyFox29) October 6, 2023