In a shocking incident, freelance journalist Josh Kruger was shot and killed at his home in South Philadelphia. The 39-year-old was shot seven times, and authorities have not made any arrests or found a weapon. Police arrived at the scene around 1:30 a.m., and despite efforts to save him, Kruger was pronounced dead at the hospital. Known for his writing on various local news platforms, including The Philadelphia Inquirer and BillyPenn.com, Kruger had recently covered topics such as education, public art, and L.G.B.T.Q. issues.
Kruger’s website reveals that he had faced significant challenges in his life, including homelessness, addiction, poverty, H.I.V., and trauma. However, he used these experiences to inform his journalism. Prior to his return to journalism, Kruger worked for the Philadelphia city government from 2016 to 2021, serving as a spokesman for the Office of Homeless Services. The police believe that an intruder entered Kruger’s home and shot him, leading him to step outside seeking help before collapsing in the street. There were no signs of forced entry, indicating that either the door was open or the perpetrator knew how to gain access.
The tragic incident has left the community and authorities in shock. Philadelphia Mayor Jim Kenney expressed his sorrow over Kruger’s death, highlighting his dedication to the city and its residents through his public service and writing. The investigation into Kruger’s murder is ongoing, with law enforcement working to determine the motive behind the targeted attack on the journalist. The loss of Kruger, a skilled writer and journalist who used his platform to shed light on important issues, has sent shockwaves through the journalism community and the city of Philadelphia as a whole.
