Local Philadelphia journalist Josh Kruger was shot and killed in his Point Breeze home on Monday. According to Philadelphia Police, it is likely an assault or a drug related.
According to authorities, police officers received an alert about shots fired in the 2300 block of Watkins Street. When officers arrived, they found Josh Kruger shot and unconscious outside his home.
Emergency services transported Kruger to a nearby hospital but little could be done for his life and he died at the medical center. According to the Philadelphia Inquirer , Kruger had at least seven gunshot wounds to the chest.
According to the investigation, the murderer would have entered Kruger's home, invited by the victim or through some trick since entry to the home was not forced. The killer allegedly shot Kruger inside the house seven times before fleeing. Kruger, dying, likely left the house in an effort to seek help outside his home before succumbing to his wounds.
drug dispute
According to the Inquirer, police sources close to the case believe Kruger's murder may have stemmed from a drug-related dispute. According to this local media, police investigators recovered some worrying text messages between Kruger and an ex-partner of his. Investigators also reportedly found methamphetamine inside Kruger's room.
This morning, I fed Mason breakfast then fell back to sleep briefly only to startle awake with a man I used to be friendly with in my bedroom. He did not have permission to be there. The door was locked, so he had somehow obtained a copy of my keys.
— Josh Kruger (@JoshKrugerPHL) April 5, 2023
Kruger reportedly denounced through X (formerly Twitter) that his ex-partner, a man, could have a copy of the keys to his home, given that he managed to enter it without Kruger's permission. Both men would be at odds after ending their relationship.
Kruger was a well-known figure in the city of Philadelphia for his personal story and his work. The journalist went through difficult times with drug addiction and lost his home on some occasions. In addition to being a journalist, he worked for the local Democratic Administration.
Shocked and saddened by Josh Kruger’s death. 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. https://t.co/dnRxQ0Ic3W
— Mayor Jim Kenney (@PhillyMayor) October 2, 2023
He was a voice for the LGTBQ community and those who were HIV positive. The Inquirer, a media outlet for which he occasionally worked, describes him as a cycling fan and Anglo-Catholic Episcopal Christian. He was also considered a controversial personality due to his ideas and political positions. Kurger was an anti-gun activist and regularly expressed his opinions on social media.
Make no mistake: Gun deaths in Philadelphia are related to the mass shooting in Texas, and without national reform each locality can only respond not prevent. If anyone can buy whatever or cross state lines to purchase guns to then illegally distribute wherever, no place is safe.
— Josh Kruger (@JoshKrugerPHL) May 25, 2022
