PHILADELPHIA — Authorities say the investigation into the death of 23-year-old Kada Scott is expanding, as detectives now explore whether others may have been involved in the crime that left the young woman dead after she vanished from her job earlier this month.
Scott, a Philadelphia native, disappeared on October 4 during her shift at an assisted living facility in the Chestnut Hill neighborhood. After nearly two weeks of searching, her body was discovered this past Saturday buried in a shallow grave behind the long-abandoned Ada Lewis Middle School in Germantown. The discovery has left family members, friends, and the wider community grief-stricken.
Authorities have charged 21-year-old Keon King with kidnapping and several related offenses, including arson, conspiracy, and tampering with evidence. However, no murder charges have been filed as investigators await the results of the autopsy to determine Scott’s cause of death. Police now believe King may not have acted alone. Assistant District Attorney Ashley Tesloski confirmed Monday that investigators are examining the possibility of accomplices, citing the inclusion of a conspiracy charge in the case. “We do have reason to believe that other people may have been involved after the fact,” Tesloski said, though she declined to identify any potential suspects.
A vigil for Scott was held Monday evening near the vacant school where her remains were found. Dozens of residents, friends, and family gathered to honor her life and call for justice. City crews have since begun clearing debris from the property, which has been shuttered for more than a decade. In response to public concern, the Philadelphia School District said it is reviewing security protocols for all vacant buildings to ensure safety across neighborhoods.
Officials revealed that Scott and King had cellphone contact before her disappearance, and that a stolen vehicle found on fire was connected to the case. King is also facing charges in a separate kidnapping case from earlier this year that was initially dismissed when a witness failed to appear in court. He remains in custody on $2.5 million bail as prosecutors continue to build their case.
“This is an ever-evolving situation,” said District Attorney Larry Krasner, emphasizing that investigators are determined to uncover every detail surrounding Scott’s death. Authorities urge anyone with information to come forward as they work to bring justice to the young woman whose life was tragically cut short.