Philadelphia, PA – A local Philadelphia man is facing a life sentence for the horrific murder of a young man, which authorities have declared a hate crime aimed at covering up a secret sexual relationship. The Philadelphia District Attorney’s Office reported that 23-year-old Kylen Pratt was convicted last week of first-degree murder and related charges in the death of 20-year-old Naasire Johnson.
On a chilly morning in February 2022, Johnson traveled via Uber to Pratt’s home in North Philadelphia, a journey that tragically ended with him being fatally shot in the neck by Pratt. In an attempt to hide his crime, Pratt wrapped Johnson’s body in plastic, drove it to Fairmount Park, and set it ablaze. The grim discovery of Johnson’s charred remains was made three days later by locals walking their dog.
Authorities zeroed in on Pratt as a suspect after receiving an anonymous tip that led to compelling evidence against him. An examination of Pratt’s cellphone records indicated he was with Johnson at the time of the murder. During a search of Pratt’s residence, police discovered traces of Johnson’s blood and found the murder weapon.
Further investigation into Pratt’s digital footprint uncovered disturbing internet searches that included topics like psychopathy and necrophilia, which indicated premeditation and possible motivations behind the gruesome act.
Assistant District Attorney Cydney Pope stated, “This killing was driven by Pratt’s desperate attempt to conceal their intimate relationship, classifying it as a hate crime.” Pratt’s apprehension took place in June of the same year, and he has been in custody without bail since.
The impact of Johnson’s murder extended into his family, with his grandmother, Cynthia Johnson, expressing her profound grief at a recent press conference. Describing her grandson as a hard worker known for his kindness, she shared the profound emotional toll his loss has inflicted on her life.
This tragic case has since stirred conversations within the Philadelphia community about the dangerous lengths to which fear and intolerance can drive individuals. The conviction of Kylen Pratt brings some measure of justice for the loss of Naasire Johnson, even as it underscores the ongoing challenges of addressing hate crimes within society.