$20,000 Reward: Information Needed in Joshua Daywalt Homicide Investigation
Wednesday, March 05, 2025
On Friday, February 7, 2025, at 10:17 AM, police responded to a report of a body floating in the Schuylkill River near Kelly Drive and Midvale Avenue. A passerby had discovered the body, and with the assistance of the Fire Board, an unidentified white male was pulled from the water. PFD Medic arrived and pronounced him dead at 10:56 AM.
The following day, February 8, 2025, the Philadelphia Medical Examiner’s Office conducted a post-mortem examination. A single gunshot wound was found just behind the right ear, along with a possible graze wound to the lower right back of the head. The cause of death was determined to be a gunshot wound to the head, and the manner of death was ruled a homicide. On Tuesday, February 11, 2025, the decedent was identified as Joshua Daywalt. Though originally from Phoenixville, Joshua—also known as Michael Hall- was known to frequent the Manayunk area, particularly near the Green Lane Bridge at Main Street and Green Lane, as he was houseless.
At this time, there are no suspects, and no weapons have been recovered. The Homicide Unit is actively investigating the incident, and anyone with information is urged to contact the unit at 215-686-3334 or provide anonymous tips through the PPD tip line at 215-686-TIPS (8477). A $20,000 reward is being offered for information leading to an arrest and conviction.