Body found behind school is missing woman Kada Scott

Authorities in Philadelphia have confirmed that human remains discovered Saturday behind an abandoned school belong to Kada Scott, a 23-year-old woman reported missing two weeks earlier.

Kada Scott found: Timeline of Disappearance

Scott left her overnight shift at The Terrace at Chestnut Hill on October 4. Surveillance footage showed she stayed only 20 minutes. Her vehicle remained parked at the nursing home. She did not leave in it.

Investigators believe Scott met Keon King, 21, shortly after leaving work. Cell phone data indicated King traveled with Scott’s phone before it was turned off. Police later arrested King in connection with her disappearance.

Kada Scott found: Discovery and Identification

On Saturday, police received a tip directing them back to a wooded area behind the school. Officers had searched the location earlier but found nothing. This time, they discovered a shallow grave. DNA samples matched Scott’s parents, confirming her identity.

Philadelphia Police Department’s John Stanford said the remains appeared to be less than a week old. The wooded terrain had complicated earlier search efforts.

Charges and Ongoing Investigation

King, of Dover, Delaware, was arrested October 8. He faces multiple charges, including:

• Kidnapping
• Stalking
• Arson
• Causing catastrophe
• Conspiracy
• Tampering with evidence

Prosecutors have not yet charged King with homicide. However, they confirmed additional charges are under consideration. King remains in custody on $2.5 million bail.

Assistant District Attorney Ashley Toczylowski stated that King’s phone pinged near locations tied to Scott’s disappearance. She also cited extensive video evidence and confirmed that a stolen vehicle, later found on fire, was used by King.

Toczylowski said investigators believe others may have assisted after the fact. That aspect remains under active investigation.

Prior Allegations Against King

In January 2025, King was charged with kidnapping and assault in a separate case. Prosecutors alleged he abducted a woman from outside her home and forced her into a vehicle. The case was dropped in May when the victim and a witness failed to appear in court.

Kada Scott’s Family Statement and Community Response

Scott’s parents released a statement Monday describing their daughter as a source of “light, kindness and beautiful spirit.” They said their hearts were shattered and asked for continued prayers.

Earlier in the search, Scott’s father launched a verified GoFundMe campaign titled “TIME IS CRITICAL — Kada Scott is still missing.” The fundraiser aimed to support search efforts and raise awareness.

Prosecutors Vow Continued Action

Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner stated, “We are not done.” Officials emphasized that the investigation remains active and that further developments are expected.