Keon King, the 21-year-old Philadelphia man initially charged with kidnapping in the disappearance of 23-year-old Kada Scott, is now facing a host of new charges after investigators confirmed that human remains found over the weekend belong to Scott.
Philadelphia prosecutors announced Monday that King is now also charged with arson, causing catastrophe, conspiracy, and tampering with evidence. The additional charges stem from King’s alleged connection to a stolen car that was set on fire a few days after Scott vanished on October 4.
The announcement follows the discovery of Scott’s remains in a shallow grave near an abandoned middle school on Saturday, October 19. Officials confirmed the identity Monday using DNA evidence.
While King has not yet been charged with homicide, Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner stated during the Monday press conference that the investigation is “not done,” adding, “I am confident that homicide charges will be brought.”
Timeline of Disappearance and Arrest
Scott was last seen on October 4 after reporting for an overnight shift at a senior living facility. Police believe King was the last person to have been in contact with her before her phone went offline. Scott’s car, along with her keys and personal items, was found abandoned at her workplace parking lot the next day.
Investigators linked King to a stolen 2008 black Hyundai Accent through video evidence. This car was later burned on October 7. The DA’s office stated Monday that they believe the burned car was used to move Scott on the day she went missing to the location where her remains were ultimately found near the abandoned Ada Lewis Middle School. Cellphone data also allegedly placed King at both the site where Scott’s remains were found and the location where the car was burned.
King was initially arrested on Tuesday, October 14, and charged with kidnapping, false imprisonment, and stalking in connection with Scott’s disappearance.
Family Mourns, Previous Allegations Surface
Scott’s mother and father released a statement following the tragic confirmation of their daughter’s 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.”
The District Attorney’s office also revealed that King is facing a separate, refiled kidnapping charge from January 2025. In that case, he allegedly took a woman from in front of her house, assaulted her, and then let her go. Prosecutors stated they believe this shows a “pattern” of behavior.
The investigation is being led by the Philadelphia Police Department’s homicide division with assistance from the FBI’s Violent Crime Task Force. Officials declined to confirm the exact relationship between Scott and King.
King is currently being held on a $2.5 million bail for the initial kidnapping charges. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for November 4.
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