A man charged with murdering a Philadelphia journalist has confessed to the crime.
In Philadelphia, a 20-year-old named Robert Davis received a sentence between 15 and 30 years for murder, and an additional 1 to 2 years for carrying a weapon without a license as part of a plea bargain.
Neither the Philadelphia District Attorney's Office nor the Defenders Association of Philadelphia responded when contacted by CNN about the deal.
In early October 2023, Matt Kruger, a 39-year-old journalist and columnist, was fatally shot in his South Philadelphia home in Point Breeze. Davis, who was 19 at the time, was captured three weeks later for the murder.
Documents presented in court suggested a past "intimate/sexual relationship" between Davis and Kruger before the latter's death.
Kruger was a prominent figure in Philadelphia's journalism scene, advocating for LGBTQ+ and homeless rights through publications like The Philadelphia Citizen and The Philadelphia Inquirer. He secured two Society of Professional Journalists' awards for commentary in Pennsylvania, one in 2014 and another in 2015. He also worked for the city government itself.
Kruger's journalism grew from his own experiences with HIV and homelessness, as noted on his LinkedIn profile. There, he described himself as a “destructor of stigma and institutional barriers” and an advocate for the common good. Utilizing social media, Kruger wrote about his personal struggles with addiction and continued to aid individuals grappling with addiction in Philadelphia.
Kruger worked for the city of Philadelphiafrom 2017 to 2022, according to his official website and LinkedIn profile. His positions included roles in the Department of Public Health, the Office of Homeless Services, and the mayor's office.
Following Kruger's passing, former mayor Jim Kenney expressed his shock and grief in a statement given to CNN. "Josh was dedicated to our city and its citizens, as evident in both his public service and his writing," he said. "His intellect, imagination, ardor, and humor were all luminous in everything he accomplished - and his light was extinguished before its time. We were blessed to have considered him a coworker, and our thoughts are with those who knew and cherished him."
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In the aftermath of the plea bargain, Davis expressed remorse towards the US community, particularly the LGBTQ+ and homeless communities that Kruger had dedicated his life to serving.
Upon hearing about Davis's confession and sentence, the US journalism community and Kruger's friends and family expressed their grief and hope for justice.
