On Saturday, authorities in Philadelphia revealed that the body of 23-year-old Kada Scott was found near an abandoned school. Here’s everything we know about what led to her disappearance, how long she was missing, and who authorities suspect is responsible for her disappearance and death.
### Who Is Kada Scott?
Kada Scott was a 23-year-old Black woman from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. She graduated from Penn State and recently began working at an assisted living facility called The Terrace at Chestnut Hill, according to ABC 6. During her time at Penn State, she was a cheerleader and earlier this year, she participated in a pageant to become Miss Pennsylvania in the Miss USA pageant.
### What Happened to Kada Scott?
Kada Scott was last seen alive on October 4th, leaving her job at the assisted living home. Her family reported her missing the following day after she expressed to them that she had received several harassing phone calls.
“We’re investigating that. We’re trying to learn more,” Captain John Craig of Northwest Detectives told ABC 6.
Kada’s mother, Kim Matthews, shared that Scott mentioned the phone calls but did not provide any names. “So we’re trying to piece it together to find out exactly who these people are,” Matthews said.
Interestingly, Kada’s car was still parked at her workplace when she disappeared. Due to the absence of surveillance cameras outside her workplace, investigators were unable to identify who she met with after leaving work.
### How Long Was She Missing?
According to the Associated Press, Kada Scott was missing for two weeks before authorities found her body on the evening of October 18. Her body was discovered in a shallow grave on the grounds of Ada Lewis Middle School.
Police had previously searched the area and found her phone case and debit card but did not locate her at that time. They returned to the site after receiving a “very specific” tip on the night of October 18.
“The tip was very specific that led us back to this location here,” said First Deputy Commissioner John Stanford of the Philadelphia Police Department. “We want the person we have in custody and anyone else who may be involved to be held accountable to the highest degree of the law for what they have done.”
### Is There a Suspect in the Case?
Yes. Keon King, 21, was arrested and charged with kidnapping, stalking, arson, causing catastrophe, conspiracy, and tampering with evidence related to Kada Scott’s disappearance.
King has not yet been charged with Scott’s death, though Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner expressed confidence that homicide charges will be filed soon.
“I am confident that homicide charges will be brought,” Krasner said during a news conference. “But I also have an obligation to follow the law and uphold the constitution. That means we don’t take shortcuts.”
The Philadelphia Police Department arrested King last week after linking him to Kada Scott through several pieces of physical evidence, including a 2008 Hyundai Accent seen at multiple locations associated with her disappearance.
Reports indicate the car was set on fire on October 7, and subsequently traced to a junkyard where it had been compacted. Investigators noted that the fire prevented the collection of DNA evidence from the vehicle, according to CBS News.
Previously, King was arrested earlier this year on similar charges after kidnapping and assaulting a woman, whom he eventually released. However, he was able to post $200,000 bail and was released after the charges were dropped due to the victim and a key witness not appearing in court. Krasner announced that case will now be reopened.
### Additional Investigation
Prosecutor Ashley Toczylowski told reporters that investigators “have reason to believe other people may have been involved after the fact,” and that Kada Scott’s death is “very much still being investigated.”
### Family Statement
Kada Scott’s family released a statement on Monday addressing her death:
“Today, we’ll say her name. Tomorrow, we’ll say her name. And forever, we will say her name. It is with profound sadness that we share the tragic passing of our beloved daughter, Kada Scott.
Our hearts are shattered, yet we are deeply grateful for the outpouring of love, support, and prayers from people across the nation and around the world. Please continue to keep us in your prayers as we navigate this unimaginable loss.”
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Our thoughts and prayers go out to Kada Scott’s family during this tragic time.
**SEE ALSO:** [Black Missing Persons Cases Still Get Less Media Attention]
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