Philadelphia suspect freed on dramatically reduced bail 2 weeks before Temple U grad slayed walking dog

One of two suspects arrested in Philadelphia in connection to the death of a 25-year-old Temple University graduate shot while walking his dog had been freed just two weeks earlier on bail dramatically reduced in part because of coronavirus pandemic-related court closures. 

District Attorney Larry Krasner said in a statement Sunday night that his office had argued in two separate cases last year that 20-year-old Davis L. Josephus be held in jail, "yet bail was lowered by judges over our objections." Josephus is facing several charges, including murder, conspiracy, robbery and illegal firearm offenses after allegedly shooting Milan Loncar in Brewerytown Wednesday.

Police said surveillance video showed two men approach Loncar on the street before 7 p.m. -- one pointing a gun at him – before both reached for his pants pockets. Loncar was shot once in the chest. He was still clutching the leash of his rescue dog when officers arrived. 

Loncar graduated from Temple University in 2019. He had planned to move in with his girlfriend next month.