Kada Scott case: New details released on suspect after human remains of missing Philadelphia woman discovered

PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) — New charges have been filed against the man accused in the disappearance of Philadelphia woman Kada Scott.

Keon King, 21, also faces arson, criminal damage, conspiracy and tampering with evidence, among other charges related to the case, the Philadelphia District Attorney’s Office announced during a news conference Monday.

At this time, no homicide charges have yet been filed against King as the DA’s office continues its investigation.

“We’re not done,” Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner said.

This comes just days after human remains were discovered behind a vacant school in Germantown, Philadelphia. The prosecutor’s office confirmed Monday that the remains belonged to Scott.

Scott disappeared on the night of Saturday, October 4, after leaving his workplace, an assisted living facility in Chestnut Hill.

King was initially arrested and charged last week with kidnapping in Scott’s case. He also faces reinstated charges for a separate case from earlier this year that was initially dropped when the witness failed to appear in court.

The new charges come as officials say they have located a vehicle they believe is connected to the case.

Officials also said they believe other people may have been involved in the case, but they have not released any further details about their identities or the extent of their involvement.

Authorities say a tip led police to a burned 2008 black Hyundai Accent in the 2300 block of 74th Avenue.

However, when investigators arrived at the scene, they indicated that the vehicle was already towed, compacted and was in a junkyard.

Investigators said they were able to obtain surveillance video from the vehicle, which led them to believe the Hyundai is the car used to move Scott to where his remains were eventually found near Ada Lewis Middle School.

Authorities said the vehicle was stolen Oct. 3, the day before Scott was last seen, in the 6600 block of Sprague Street. It was then burned down on October 7.

Cell phone data would also place King in different locations related to this case, including where the vehicle was burned as well as when the vehicle was seen near the recreation center where the remains were found.

In the two weeks before Saturday’s discovery, law enforcement had searched the grounds near the Awbury school and arboretum, bringing in additional K-9 units from New Jersey and, at one point, closing the Philadelphia police academy for 300 recruits to scour the area.

Physical evidence, including Scott’s phone case and debit card, was discovered, but Scott was not.

The discovery of Scott’s remains also stems from “very specific” information received Friday night. The remains were found on Saturday.

“The information was very specific and led us to this location,” said First Deputy Commissioner John Stanford of the Philadelphia Police Department. “We want the people – the person we have in custody and anyone else who may be involved – we want them to be held accountable to the fullest extent of the law for what they did.”

The remains were removed from the scene late Saturday afternoon. The remains are now being processed by the medical examiner’s office.

Police are still determining how King and Scott knew each other, but they believe the two men came into contact in the days leading up to the Oct. 4 disappearance.

Before her disappearance, Scott had told people that she was being harassed, but it is unclear if King was the person who allegedly harassed her.

The Hyundai Accent is the second vehicle linked to this case. Last week, police found a 1999 metallic gold Toyota Camry that they believe may have been involved in the case. A tip led police to the vehicle parked at an apartment complex in Philadelphia’s East Falls neighborhood.

SEE ALSO: Car found in search of missing Philadelphia woman Kada Scott | What we know

More information is expected later Monday regarding bail on the new charges, as well as a preliminary hearing date for King. He is already being held on $2.5 million bail for the original charges in Scott’s case.

Scott’s family released a statement Monday saying:

“Today we will say her name, tomorrow we will say her name, and forever we will say her name. It is with deep sadness that we share the tragic passing of our beloved daughter, Kada Scott.

We kindly ask for space and privacy at this time as we process the heartbreaking events of the past few weeks.

Our hearts are broken, but we are deeply grateful for the outpouring of love, support and prayers from people across the country and around the world. Please continue to keep us in our prayers as we navigate this unimaginable loss.

Our hearts are broken beyond measure. We are deeply grateful to everyone who shared Kada’s story, joined the search efforts, prayed with us, and supported our family during this devastating time. Your compassion, love, and strength have carried us when we cannot support ourselves.

Kada was deeply, deeply loved. His light, his kindness and his beautiful spirit will forever remain in our hearts.

We also want to express our gratitude to Mayor Cherelle Parker, the Philadelphia Police Department, all first responders, local volunteers, community organizations and media, and everyone who worked tirelessly to help find our daughter.

Although the outcome is one that no parent should ever have to face, we remain grateful for the unity, leadership and love that has surrounded us throughout this ordeal.

As we continue to grieve, our family is now demanding justice for Kada. We place our full trust in the Philadelphia Police Department and the Philadelphia District Attorney’s Office to ensure that the truth is revealed and those responsible are held accountable to the fullest extent of the law.

Please honor Kada’s memory by showing kindness and care to one another, as she did every day of her life. »