Homeless Male Arrested For Murder in Manyunk
by Alex Lloyd Gross an Dan Doyle
Authorities have made an arrest in the February death of a man found in the Schuylkill River, after an investigation led to murder charges against a 61-year-old homeless male. This male, identified as Roger Rossen lived in a makeshift apartment in a bridge abutment of the Green Lane Bridge.
He lived there with other people, police said. This “apartment” had electric supplied from car batteries and was at least two levels tall.
On the morning of February 7, 2025, Philadelphia Police responded to a report of a body floating in the river near the intersection of Kelly Drive and Midvale Avenue. The discovery was made by a passerby around 10:17 a.m., and the body was recovered by members of the Philadelphia Fire Department. Medics pronounced the individual deceased at the scene at 10:56 a.m.
The Philadelphia Medical Examiner’s Office conducted a post-mortem examination the following day, revealing a fatal gunshot wound located behind the right ear, along with what appeared to be a graze wound on the lower back of the head. The official cause of death was determined to be a gunshot wound to the head, and the manner was ruled a homicide.
Fingerprint analysis later identified the victim as 35-year-old Joshua Daywalt of Phoenixville. The identification was confirmed on February 11, five days after the discovery of his body.
After a nearly three-month-long investigation, police arrested Roger Rosson on April 29. Rosson, who is currently homeless, has been charged with murder and related offenses in connection with Daywalt’s death. Details regarding the motive or how Rosson and Daywalt may have known each other have not yet been disclosed.
The Philadelphia Police Department continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding the homicide.
Anyone with additional information is urged to contact the Philadelphia Police Homicide Unit.