A 39-year-old journalist was fatally shot inside his Philadelphia home in a case that local police are investigating as a homicide.
Officers responded to the Grays Ferry home of Josh Kruger early Monday morning after receiving several phone calls from neighbors who heard the sound of gunshots.
When officers arrived, they discovered Kruger suffering from multiple gunshot wounds to the chest and abdomen. Investigators believe the person or people responsible for the shooting either knew how to gain entry to Kruger’s home, or were allowed in.
Police have not named a suspect in the case, nor have they disclosed a motive for the shooting.
Kruger was an openly-gay journalist who wrote about his own experiences with homelessness, addiction and trauma. His bylines appeared in several local publications, including the Philadelphia Inquirer, the Philadelphia Citizen and the website of public radio station WHYY (90.9 FM).
Several public officials spoke openly about Kruger after learning of his death.
“Absolutely devastated to hear about the sudden passing of my friend Josh Kruger,” State Rep. Ben Waxman wrote on X, the social media website formerly known as Twitter. “He made a huge contribution to our city and will be missed by so many people. May his memory be a blessing.”
“Josh Kruger was a fierce advocate for the most vulnerable members of our community,” Rue Landau, a local civil rights attorney, said on social media. “Heartbreaking to lose an LGBTQ journalist and respected voice in the city.”
