Person Of Interest IDed In Murder Of Philadelphia Journalist: Report

PHILADELPHIA, PA — Authorities have identified a person of interest in the murder of Josh Kruger, a journalist and LGBTQ+ advocate who was found dead in his Philadelphia home early Monday.

In an interview with the Philadelphia Inquirer, Deputy Police Commissioner Frank Vanore did not identify the man. While there's no warrant for the man's arrest, Vanore told the publication that investigators want to take him into custody and question him.

Kruger, who previously worked for the Inquirer, the Philadelphia Citizen, LGBTQ Nation, and Billy Penn, was shot outside his Point Breeze home around 1:30 a.m. Monday.

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

Authorities believe someone came into Kruger's home and shot him before fleeing, according to previous reports. There were no signs of forced entry into the house.

Vanore also told the Inquirer that police think the shooter likely knew Kruger. While a motive remains unclear, sources who spoke on the condition of anonymity told the Inquirer the person of interest sought by police previously broke into Kruger's home and struggled with drug addiction.

Kruger handled social media for the mayor and communications for the Office of Homeless Services from about 2016 to 2021. He left city government to focus on writing projects for news outlets and progressive causes.

On his website, he described himself as a "militant bicyclist" and "a proponent of the singular they, the Oxford comma, and pre-Elon Twitter. "

In a statement Monday, District Attorney Larry Krasner praised Kruger's contributions to the city.

"As an openly queer writer who wrote about his own journey surviving substance use disorder and homelessness, ... Josh Kruger lifted up the most vulnerable and stigmatized people in our communities — particularly unhoused people living with addiction," Krasner said. "Josh deserved to write the ending of his personal story."

The Associated Press contributed to this report.