Police find key evidence connected to Kada Scott’s disappearance

PHILADELPHIA (WPHL) — As the search continues for Kada Scott, the 23-year-old woman who has been missing for nearly two weeks, police said they found key pieces of evidence connected to her disappearance on Wednesday, and they made an arrest of a suspect.

According to police, Keon King, 21, turned himself in to authorities. He is charged with kidnapping, and he is reported to be the last person to have had contact with Scott.

Earlier this week, Philadelphia Police Department Homicide Detectives took over the investigation. During a Wednesday morning press conference, police clarified that the homicide unit and the FBI are part of the investigation because they have the most experienced investigators and resources.

According to Deputy Commissioner Frank Vanore, detectives are treating the investigation as though Scott is still alive.

Wednesday afternoon, detectives searched the grounds of Ada Middle School, an abandoned school in East Mount Airy, and found some of Scott’s personal items, including a pink phone case and a debit card with Scott’s name on it. The location is across from the Awbury Arboretum, where investigators searched last week.

Investigators also received a tip about a vehicle belonging to King and linked to the investigation: a 1999 gold Toyota Camry with damage to its front driver’s side. The car was listed on Facebook Marketplace a few weeks before Scott was reported missing. The car was found at the Gypsy Lane Condos, an apartment complex in East Falls.

Philadelphia police towed the car away and obtained a search warrant to try to find more evidence that could point to Scott’s whereabouts.

Scott was last seen on October 4 at her overnight job at The Terrace at Chestnut Hill, an assisted living facility along East Abington Avenue. According to investigators, evidence shows King appeared to meet Scott after she left work, which was the last time she was seen.

During Wednesday morning’s news conference, the Philadelphia District Attorney’s Office announced that King has a criminal history and has been previously charged with kidnapping.

A kidnapping case against King was dismissed earlier this year, as neither he nor the alleged victim appeared in court. However, prosecutors plan to reopen and recharge King.

Anyone with information is asked to call 215-686-8577. Anonymous tips can also be submitted online.