PHILADELPHIA — A Philadelphia jury has convicted Kylen Pratt of first-degree murder in the 2022 killing of Naasire Johnson, the District Attorney’s Office announced on Monday. Pratt, 23, was sentenced to life in prison for the brutal slaying of Johnson, who was 20 years old at the time of his death.
The murder occurred in the early hours of February 17, 2022. Johnson had taken an Uber from his West Philadelphia home to Pratt’s residence on the 2900 block of Oxford Street in Brewerytown. Shortly after Johnson’s arrival, Pratt shot him in the neck. Pratt then transported Johnson’s body to a remote trail in Fairmount Park, where he set the body on fire.
Later that afternoon, two individuals discovered Johnson’s badly burned remains. The victim was identified through DNA analysis.
An anonymous tip led investigators to Pratt. Authorities obtained cell phone data that placed Pratt and Johnson together at the time of the murder and in Fairmount Park. A search of Pratt’s home revealed blood-soaked flooring and bleached carpeting. Police also recovered a 9mm firearm linked to the crime.
Further investigation of Pratt’s phone revealed disturbing searches related to the murder, including searches for “traits of a psychopath” and “killing in cold blood.”
Pratt was arrested in June 2022 and convicted on September 27, 2024, of first-degree murder, abuse of a corpse, tampering with evidence, and possession of an instrument of crime.
“We will continue to pursue justice in collaboration with the Philadelphia Police Department and other law enforcement partners,” said First Assistant District Attorney Robert Listenbee in a statement.
