The remains of Kada Scott, 23, have been identified. Scott has been missing since Oct. 4. File Photo by Bonnie Cash/UPI | License Photo
Remains found buried Saturday in a Philadelphia wooded area have been identified as Kada Scott, 23, who has been missing since Oct. 4.
Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner announced that the remains had been confirmed by DNA at a press conference on Monday.
Last week, police arrested Keon King, 21, in her disappearance.
Police found her remains after they got an anonymous tip with a very specific location. The wooded area was behind an abandoned elementary school in the Germantown neighborhood of Philadelphia.
King now faces charges of arson causing catastrophe, conspiracy, unauthorized use of an automobile, tampering with evidence, recklessly endangering another person and receipt of stolen property, Krasner said.
Krasner said his office will file homicide charges “when we can very precisely confirm everything we need for probable cause.”
The DA’s office believes there are others involved with the disappearance, but it hasn’t identified them yet, said Assistant District Attorney Ashley Toczylowski.
During the press conference, Tania Leonard of the DA’s office, read a statement from Scott’s family. It said the family puts its full trust in the Philadelphia Police Department.
“The family asked to keep them in their prayers. They said they are profoundly thankful to every person who shared Kada’s story, joined the search efforts, prayed with us and stood by the family during this devastating time,” Leonard said. “Your compassion, love and strength have carried us when we cannot carry ourselves.”
When she disappeared, Scott was working an overnight shift at an assisted-living facility. Her family last saw her before 10 p.m. when she left for work. Police said she never finished her shift. Her mother’s car was still in the parking lot without her belongings.
Earlier this year, King was accused of kidnapping and strangulation of another woman, Toczylowski said. But charges were dropped when the victim didn’t come to court. That case is now reopened. He is in jail on $2.5 million bail.
