Human remains discovered on Saturday in a shallow grave at a deserted Philadelphia school have been identified as 23-year-old Kada Scott, missing since 4 October. The grim confirmation came from the Philadelphia District Attorney’s Office during a press briefing on Monday, alongside news of serious new charges against suspect Keon King.
Suspect Faces Multiple Serious Charges After Remains Discovered
Keon King, 21, initially charged with kidnapping, now faces a swathe of heavy charges including arson causing catastrophe, conspiracy, tampering with evidence, and more. Prosecutors say fresh evidence surfaced since Scott’s disappearance.
King remains in custody as police continue the murder investigation.
Anonymous Tip Leads Police to Scott’s Body Behind Abandoned School
Scott’s remains were found in a wooded area behind the derelict Ada H. Lewis Middle School near Germantown’s Awbury Arboretum around 10am on Saturday. Police received a “very specific” anonymous tip that led them straight to the shallow grave, Philadelphia Police First Deputy Commissioner John Stanford revealed.
“The tip gave us the location where her body was concealed,” said Stanford. “We have since informed the family, who have been preparing for this terrible news.”
Timeline Reveals Tragic Plunge After Harassment
- 4 October: Scott leaves home, last seen by her mother, heading to nursing home shift.
- Late evening: Arrives for midnight shift but leaves early.
- Shortly after: Meets suspect King, according to evidence.
- Following days: Family report her missing.
- Mid-October: King arrested for kidnapping.
- 19 October: Tip leads police to remains.
- 21 October: Remains confirmed, charges upgraded.
Investigators revealed Scott had been harassed by an unknown individual days before vanishing. “Ms Scott told family she was being harassed by phone,” Captain John Craig said, confirming her last contact was with King.
Community Left Reeling as Details Emerge
The case has stunned Philadelphia’s Germantown community, raising fears over women’s safety after a young mother was targeted and killed. Authorities are probing whether King had accomplices and unraveling the role of arson, part of the charges filed.
Questions swirl: Who else was involved? What triggered the fire charge? Could this have been prevented?
The abandoned school’s remote, overgrown grounds provided a chilling setting for the crime. The anonymous tip was vital to ending the search.
Investigation Ongoing as Family Mourns
While King faces murder-related charges, investigators are piecing together the full story of Scott’s final hours. The family now confronts a heartbreaking reality but hope justice will follow this horrific tragedy.
