PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — Sources have confirmed to KYW Newsradio that the human remains found behind Ada H. Lewis Middle School belong to Kada Scott, the 23-year-old Philadelphia woman who had been missing for weeks.
The remains were found in a wooded area near the Awbury Arboretum. A series of anonymous tips led authorities to that area, as well as other locations, in the last two weeks.
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.
Scott was last seen on the night of Oct. 4 by her mother. 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.
Last week, 21-year-old Keon King was arrested and charged with kidnapping in connection with her disappearance. King was charged earlier this year with kidnapping another woman, but the Philadelphia District Attorney’s Office withdrew the case within a month of his arrest because the victim did not show up to court.
On Oct. 15, minutes after Philadelphia police held a press conference announcing King’s arrest, investigators received an anonymous tip leading them to that vacant middle school. They found Scott’s phone case and other “significant evidence” after searching for more than a day, but no sign of Scott.
They received another tip on Saturday, Oct. 18, that she was buried in the woods, which is where they ultimately found her.
Investigators believe King was the last person to have contact with Scott. The exact nature of their relationship is not yet clear. Police have not identified any other suspects.
New charges against King
At another press conference on Monday, Oct. 20, District Attorney Larry Krasner announced additional charges against King, including arson, conspiracy, unauthorized use of a vehicle, tampering with evidence, recklessly endangering another person, and related offenses. He is being held on a $2.5 million bail.
According to prosecutors, King used a 2008 Hyundai Accent to abduct Scott. That car was stolen the day before — Oct. 3 — from 6600 Sprague Street in East Mount Airy. Authorities say they have surveillance video of King using the stolen car to move Scott's body around, from the Arboretum to the vacant school across the street.
"This Hyundai Accent was on location at all of the times we are looking at, at all the pertinent points of the investigation," said Assistant District Attorney Ashley Toczlowsky.
Surveillance evidence also shows the car was burned a couple of miles away on Oct. 7, and located on the 2300 block of 74th Avenue. It was then towed and compacted in a junkyard.
The homicide unit cross-referenced King’s cellphone records, which they said put him at all the pertinent locations throughout their investigation. Prosecutors say they have reason to believe King was getting help.
"At the point where the Hyundai Accent is on scene on video at the rec center leading up to all the events we are talking about, the other car, the Toyota, is there as well, and the people in these vehicles are working together," Toczlowsky said.
When Krasner was asked how he, as the top prosecutor, could ensure this won’t happen again, he said they’re looking at “ways they can do better.”
“Everybody’s view of this is clear when you are looking back and you have fuller knowledge; nobody’s view is quite as clear, whether it is a judge setting bail, nobody's view is quite as clear, and we need to change that,” Krasner said.
“We need to find ways to be better at making sure there are as few errors as possible and that there is as much protection as possible in the current environment women face.”
Krasner said tips from the public led to the discovery of the burning car. He encouraged people to continue submitting tips related to this case by calling or texting 215-686-TIPS.
Scott’s family mourns
At Monday’s press conference, Scott’s cousin was in attendance. Victim advocates from the District Attorney’s Office read a statement from Scott’s mother and father, which said:
“It is with profound sadness that we share the tragic passing of our beloved daughter, Kada Scott. We kindly ask for space and privacy at this time as we process the heartbreaking events of the past few weeks. Our hearts are shattered, yet we are deeply grateful for the outpouring of love, support and prayers from people across the nation and around the world.
“Please continue to keep us in prayer as we navigate this unimaginable loss. Our hearts are broken beyond measure. We are profoundly thankful to every person who shared Kada’s story, joined the search efforts, prayed with us, and stood by our family during this devastating time. Your compassion, love and strength have carried us when we cannot carry ourselves.
“Kada was deeply loved. Her light, kindness and beautiful spirit will forever remain in our hearts. We also wish to extend our heartfelt gratitude to Mayor Cherelle Parker, the Philadelphia Police Department, all first responders, local volunteers, community organizations and media outlets, as well as everyone who worked tirelessly to help find our daughter. Although the outcome is one no parent should ever have to face, we remain thankful for the unity, leadership and love that surrounded us through it all.
“As we continue to grieve, our family now seeks justice for Kada. We place our full trust in the Philadelphia Police Department and the Philadelphia District Attorney’s Office to ensure that the truth is revealed and that those responsible are held accountable to the fullest extent of the law.
“Please honor Kada’s memory by showing kindness and care to one another — just as she did every day of her life.”
Scott's family set up a GoFundMe. Nearly $17,000 has been raised so far.