The household of a person accused of killing a Philadelphia journalist says the 2 have been in a relationship and he was being blackmailed by the reporter.
Josh Kruger, 39, was shot seven instances in his dwelling within the early hours of Oct. 2.
He stumbled from his dwelling in seek for assist earlier than collapsing on the road, the place a neighbour discovered him and known as 911 however he died later in hospital.
Wished for his homicide is 19-year-old Robert Davis, who police beforehand stated was an acquaintance of the neighborhood advocate and who Kruger was making an attempt to assist.
On the time, Davis advised his household he met an “older white girl” on-line who “labored for the federal government.”
However they usually seen the title “Josh” present up on his telephone, however Davis claimed it was his supposed girlfriend’s homosexual brother.
Davis’ mom, Damica Davis, final spoke to her son on Oct. 6, shortly after Philadelphia police confirmed up at her dwelling to seek for her son.
Damica advised the publication that in their name, her son confirmed the individual he was really in a relationship with was Kruger, who beforehand labored for the town, together with the Workplace of Homeless Providers, till 2020.
The household added that Kruger threatened to submit sexually express movies of Davis on-line previous to the taking pictures.
The household stated Davis began sneaking out of the home when he was 15 and was quickly battling a drug habit.
“He was scared,” she stated. “He stated, ‘He needed me to do some stuff I didn’t need to do and if I didn’t do it, he stated he was going to blackmail me.’”
Danica added that her son tried to elucidate himself however didn’t admit to the homicide.
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Investigators have since allegedly found “disturbing” express photos and messages on Kruger’s telephone, a supply advised the Inquirer.
It’s unclear if the content material was linked to Davis, solely that they’ve been turned over to the division’s Particular Victims Unit.
There have been no indicators of compelled entry at Kruger’s dwelling.
Police imagine the taking pictures occurred at about 1:30 a.m.
Davis stays at massive. There’s a $20,000 reward for info that results in his arrest and conviction.
Kruger was remembered as an LGBTQ+ author and activist who used his personal experiences with homelessness, intercourse work and drug habit to encourage others.
