Philadelphia man charged with murder in Kada Scott case

PHILADELPHIA, Pa. — Keon King, 21, now faces murder charges in the death of nursing student Kada Scott, who went  missing two weeks ago.

Prosecutors announced the upgraded charges Wednesday, Oct. 22, citing new forensic evidence and a ruling from the Medical Examiner’s Office, ABC 6 Philadelphia reports. 

Keon King charged with murder in death of Kada Scott

Scott vanished on October 4 after arriving for her night shift at the Terrace at Chestnut Hill. Her body was discovered two weeks later in a shallow grave behind Ada H. Lewis Middle School, a long-abandoned site that neighbors say has become a magnet for crime.

Suspect’s Additional Charges

King was initially charged with kidnapping. He now faces multiple counts, including murder, robbery, abuse of a corpse, arson, and conspiracy. Officials believe Scott died shortly after leaving work, though the exact cause remains under investigation.

Evidence

Detectives used multiple sources of evidence to connect Keon King to Kada Scott’s disappearance and death. Surveillance footage, cellphone records, and a burned Hyundai Accent—all linked to King—helped investigators reconstruct the timeline.

In addition, Scott warned friends and family that someone had threatened her shortly before she vanished. Text messages between Scott and King revealed plans to meet the night she disappeared, further strengthening the case against him..

GoFundMe campaign serves as justice and memorial fund

In response to the tragedy, Scott’s family launched a GoFundMe campaign. Originally intended to support search efforts, the fundraiser now serves as a Justice and Memorial Fund. Donations will cover funeral expenses and support the Black and Missing Foundation, a national nonprofit aiding families of missing persons.

“Our hearts are broken beyond words,” the Scott family wrote. “Your generosity helped raise awareness, mobilize the community, and keep Kada’s name visible”.

King remains in custody.

Police continue investigating the case and are actively exploring whether additional individuals played a role in the crime.