PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — Monday evening, the lawn outside of the vacant Ada H. Lewis Middle School was filled with dozens of community members for a candlelight vigil in honor of 23-year-old Kada Scott, whose remains were found nearby this weekend.
State Representative Andre Carroll organized the vigil. He connected with Scott over the summer.
“I got a chance to see her infectious smile, and you know, hear her very timid, shy voice, and so for a few months later to have the reality that her remains are found in the neighborhood where I grew up is — it's hard to believe, right?”
People were invited to light a candle and place it under a tree near the school, where a photo of Scott was on display. Stuffed animals, flowers, balloons and candles surrounded her photo.
Those in attendance shouted her name, and councilmember Nicolas O’Rourke offered a gospel song and told the crowd that this tragedy hits close to home for officials.
“The idea that young Black girls cannot be safe even at their own workplace, in their own city, in their own town is unacceptable,” he said.
Scott had been missing since Oct. 4. She left her home in East Mount Airy to work an overnight shift at a nearby nursing home. Detectives said she got to work but left before completing her shift. Police recovered her car in the parking lot, but her phone was dead, and she hadn’t updated her usually very active social media accounts.
Tips had led police to a wooded area near the Awbury Arboretum, as well as other locations in their nearly 3-week search. On Oct. 15, they found Scott’s phone case and other “significant evidence” near the vacant school after searching for more than a day, but no sign of Scott.
Three days later, investigators found Scott buried in a shallow grave in the woods behind the vacant school. The medical examiner is still waiting to determine the cause and manner of her death.
Many neighbors expressed they want the vacant school torn down, and officials on site were open to hearing their concerns.
Keon King, 21, was arrested and charged with kidnapping, arson, conspiracy, unauthorized use of a vehicle, tampering with evidence, recklessly endangering another person, and related offenses in connection with her disappearance. The exact nature of their relationship is not yet clear, but police believe there are other suspects.
Scott’s aunt Donna asked for privacy as they process the unimaginable.
“Just remember her name, remember her smile, remember what she lived for, that's it. Just remember who she is.”
City Councilman Anthony Phillips represents the 9th District, where Scott is from. He said the “tragic and senseless death of Kada Scott has left an undeniable impact on our city and our 9th District community. Kada was our neighbor, a daughter, a sister, and a young woman full of promise whose light touched everyone she met.
As we continue to mourn her loss, we are also called to stand in love and unity with her family. Our office is accepting donations to support the Scott family during this heartbreaking time — including self-care items, non-perishable food, and gift cards for meal delivery or general stores.”
Donations can be dropped off at the Wadsworth Office, located at 1514 Wadsworth Avenue.
Drop-offs will be accepted Tuesday, Oct. 21, through Friday, Oct. 24, from 8:30 a.m. until 4:30 p.m., as well as Saturday, Oct. 25, from 9 a.m. until noon.
Scott's family set up a GoFundMe. More than $17,000 has been raised so far.