Slain Philly Journalist and Advocate Josh Kruger Likely Knew His Killer: Report

Philadelphia journalist Josh Kruger was likely killed by someone he was familiar with, according to a local report.

The Philadelphia Inquirer, citing sources with knowledge of the investigation, reports that detectives believe the 39-year-old reporter's murder could have resulted from a domestic dispute.

They are also said to be investigating a potential drug connection, according to the paper. Methamphetamine was reportedly found in the house, and Kruger had been open about his past struggles with addiction.

Kruger, who was also an advocate for the city's underprivileged and disenfranchised, was found shot at his home in the city's Point Breeze neighborhood early Monday morning. He later died of his injuries.

Police told the Inquirer Kruger had been shot multiple times by a person with a gun who entered his home and opened fire just before 1:30 a.m.

The journalist was found collapsed in the street. Detectives believe he was shot just inside the front door of his residence and had gone outside, seeking help.

His death triggered a wave of criticism on social media from conservatives, who highlighted the journalist's past X/Twitter posts that rejected the perception that Philly is a violent city.

Police have also said there was no evidence at the home of a forced entry, which would also suggest the killer was someone Kruger knew.

Kruger was a contributing writer for the Philadelphia Citizen as well as the Inquirer, Philadelphia Magazine, LGBTQ Nation, and Billy Penn.

A motive — if known — has not been disclosed by police. No arrests have been made, and no suspect information has been released to the public.

District Attorney Larry Krasner commented Monday on Kruger's death.

"Josh Kruger lifted up the most vulnerable and stigmatized people in our communities — particularly unhoused people living with addiction," Krasner said in a statement. "As an openly queer writer who wrote about his own journey surviving substance use disorder and homelessness, it was encouraging to see Josh join the Kenney administration as a spokesperson for the Office of Homeless Services."

Krasner, the city's top prosecutor, has been slammed for progressive policies that critics say embolden criminals. He was the subject of an impeachment inquiry last year, in which a panel criticized his record but stopped short of calling for his removal.