Journalist, LGBTQ+ Advocate Shot To Death At Philadelphia Home

PHILADELPHIA — A Philadelphia journalist and LGBTQ+ advocate was found dead in his Philadelphia home early Monday.

According to the Philadelphia District Attorney's Office, Josh Kruger was shot and killed in his home overnight.

The Philadelphia Inquirer reports Kruger — who has written for the Inquirer, the Philadelphia Citizen, LGBTQ Nation, and Billy Penn and also worked in the Philadelphia government — was found shot outside his home on the 2300 block of Watkins Street at about 1:30 a.m. Monday.

The 39-year-old was taken to a hospital, where he died.

Authorities believe someone came into Kruger's home, shot him, then ran from the home, the Inquirer reports.

According to the outlet, there were no signs of forced entry into the home.

"Josh Kruger lifted up the most vulnerable and stigmatized people in our communities – particularly unhoused people living with addiction," Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner said in a statement Monday. "As an openly queer writer who wrote about his own journey surviving substance use disorder and homelessness, it was encouraging to see Josh join the Kenney administration as a spokesperson for the Office of Homeless Services. Josh deserved to write the ending of his personal story. As with all homicides, we will be in close contact with the Philadelphia Police as they work to identify the person or persons responsible so that they can be held to account in a court of law. I extend my deepest condolences to Josh’s loved ones and to all those mourning this loss."

No arrests have been made as authorities investigate the incident.