Murder, More Charges Filed In Philadelphia Journalist's Death

PHILADELPHIA — The 19-year-old man accused of killing Philadelphia journalist Josh Kruger has been taken into custody and charged with murder.

Robert Davis, 19, was arrested Wednesday night, according to Action News.

Davis was charged with murder, possession of instrument of crime, firearm violations, and tampering with evidence, court records show.

He is being held without bail and is scheduled for a Nov. 13 preliminary hearing, according to court documents.

Kruger, 39, was found shot outside his home on the 2300 block of Watkins Street at about 1:30 a.m. Monday, Oct. 2.

He was taken to a hospital, where he later died.

Davis was quickly identified as the suspect, and that's when circumstances around Davis and Kruger got complicated.

Davis's mother and brother told the Philadelphia Inquirer that he and Kruger started a sexual relationship that involved drugs and abuse when Davis was 15 and Kruger 35.

The family said Kruger threatened to post sexually explicit videos of Davis online

The Inquirer reports Kruger's cell phone was turned over to the Special Victims Unit for further investigation.

Kruger, who rose from homelessness and overcame substance abuse to become a champion of marginalized communities, was a national figure at the time of his death. Proudly bearing the jeers of his critics that he was a "radical," Kruger described himself as a "destroyer of stigma and bureaucratic silos."

"A devastating loss," Pennsylvania's U.S. Sen. John Fetterman said in a statement. "Josh cared deeply about Philly and fiercely advocated for the most vulnerable communities through his journalism. He will be sorely missed."

"Shocked and saddened by Josh Kruger’s death," Philadelphia Mayor Jim Kenney added. "He cared deeply about our city and its residents, which was evident in his public service and writing. Our administration was fortunate to call him a colleague, and our prayers are with everyone who knew him."

After stints with the mayor's office, Kruger served as the Communications Director for Philadelphia's Office of Homeless Services.

He's also been a contributing editor and columnist with outlets like Philadelphia Weekly and the Philadelphia City Paper.