The body of 23-year-old Kada Scott, who had been missing for nearly two weeks, has been discovered buried in a shallow grave behind an abandoned school in Philadelphia. Police said the remains were found after an anonymous tip led investigators back to a location they had previously searched. DNA testing has confirmed her identity, and a suspect is now in custody as authorities prepare further charges.
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Discovery in a Wooded Area
Prosecutors confirmed Monday that Kada Scott’s remains were found buried in a wooded area behind a derelict school. Investigators had searched the site earlier but returned after receiving a new anonymous tip instructing them to “go back, she’s there, look again.” The shallow grave was located shortly afterward. Authorities say DNA analysis verified the remains as those of Scott, bringing a tragic end to the search that had gripped the local community for two weeks.
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Suspect Arrested and Charged
Police arrested 21-year-old Keon King of Dover, Delaware, in connection with Scott’s disappearance. He faces multiple charges, including kidnapping, stalking, and related offenses. Prosecutors revealed that more charges are expected as the case progresses. King’s bail has been set at $2.5 million. A request for comment was left for his defense attorney, Shaka Johnson. District attorney Larry Krasner said during a press briefing, “I am confident that homicide charges will be brought. But I also have an obligation to follow the law and uphold the Constitution. That means we don’t take shortcuts.”
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Digital and Video Evidence
Prosecutors stated that cellphone data places King at locations connected to Scott’s disappearance. Ashley Toczylowski, the lead prosecutor, said investigators uncovered extensive video evidence linking King to the crime. She also confirmed that a black Hyundai Accent, reported stolen a day before Scott vanished, was used by King. Surveillance footage captured the vehicle parked near a recreation center close to where Scott’s body was eventually discovered.
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Burning Car Connection
Authorities revealed that the stolen Hyundai was found on fire three days after Scott’s disappearance. The car, however, was compacted at a junkyard before investigators could fully examine it. Additional charges against King include arson, conspiracy, and causing or risking a catastrophe. Prosecutors believe the burned vehicle played a significant role in covering up evidence and say the timeline of the car’s movements coincides with Scott’s disappearance on 4 October.
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Ongoing Investigation
Toczylowski said that while King remains the primary suspect, investigators “have reason to believe other people may have been involved after the fact.” She described the case as “very much still being investigated,” indicating that possible future arrests may be forthcoming. Authorities continue to analyze surveillance footage, cellphone records, and witness statements to piece together the events leading to Scott’s death.
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King’s Previous Criminal Case
Court records show that King had been arrested earlier this year in another kidnapping case but was released after posting $200,000 bail. In that incident, prosecutors alleged that King abducted a woman from outside her home and assaulted her before releasing her. However, those charges were dropped after the victim and a key witness failed to appear in court, according to Krasner. The revelation has renewed concerns about the judicial system’s handling of repeat offenders.
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Family’s Heartbreaking Statement
Kada Scott worked at an assisted living facility and was last seen after finishing an overnight shift. Her family described her as a “light, kindness, and beautiful spirit” in a statement released Monday. “Our hearts are shattered,” her parents said, asking the public for prayers as they grieve their loss. The discovery of her body marks a devastating end to the search that began after she failed to return home on 4 October.