Philadelphia, February 2, 2026
Keon King, a 21-year-old man, faces first-degree murder charges in connection with the kidnapping and death of 23-year-old Kada Scott. Following a two-week search, Scott’s remains were discovered, leading to additional charges including arson and tampering with evidence. New details reveal investigators used King’s mobile device location data and text exchanges related to the case. King, who has a prior history of violent offenses, is currently held without bail and is scheduled to return to court soon.
Philadelphia
Man Charged with Murder in Kada Scott Case
Keon King, the 21-year-old man suspected in the kidnapping and death of Kada Scott, was formally charged with first-degree murder and other offenses in October 2025, and subsequently ordered held without bail. The charges followed the discovery of Scott’s remains after a two-week search in Philadelphia.
New Details Emerge in Investigation
New details emerged in late 2025 regarding the investigation into Kada Scott’s death. Prosecutors announced additional charges against King, including arson, causing catastrophe, conspiracy, unauthorized use of an automobile, tampering with evidence, recklessly endangering another person, and receiving stolen property. These charges were linked to additional evidence, including a burned Hyundai Accent, which investigators believe was used to move Scott’s body.
Investigators utilized King’s mobile device location data, placing him at key locations connected to the crime. Court documents also revealed alleged text exchanges between Scott and King leading up to her disappearance.
Background of the Case
Kada Scott, 23, disappeared from her workplace in Philadelphia on October 4, 2025. Her remains were found in a wooded area in East Germantown on October 18, 2025, two weeks after she went missing. The medical examiner’s office later announced that Scott was shot to death.
Before the murder charges, King was initially arrested and charged with kidnapping, false imprisonment, and stalking in connection with Scott’s disappearance. It was also revealed that King had an alarming arrest history, including a prior kidnapping and assault case involving another woman. Charges in that previous case were initially withdrawn in February 2025 after the alleged victim failed to appear in court multiple times but were later refiled by the District Attorney’s office.
King was due back in court on November 10, 2025, after his initial court appearances in October 2025.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What are the primary charges against Keon King in the Kada Scott case?
- Keon King is primarily charged with first-degree murder, along with additional counts of robbery, abuse of a corpse, tampering with evidence, theft, criminal conspiracy, arson, causing catastrophe, unauthorized use of an automobile, recklessly endangering another person, and receiving stolen property.
- When did Kada Scott disappear and when were her remains found?
- Kada Scott disappeared from her workplace on October 4, 2025. Her remains were found in East Germantown on October 18, 2025.
- What evidence led to Keon King’s charges?
- Evidence included King’s mobile device location data placing him at key crime-related locations, the discovery of a burned Hyundai Accent believed to be used in Scott’s transport, and alleged text exchanges between Scott and King.
- Was Keon King involved in other cases before Kada Scott’s disappearance?
- Yes, Keon King had a prior kidnapping and assault case involving another woman. Charges in that case were initially withdrawn but later refiled.
- When was Keon King’s court appearance scheduled after his arraignment?
- Keon King was due back in court on November 10, 2025.
Key Details of the Kada Scott Case
| Aspect | Detail |
|---|---|
| Victim | Kada Scott, 23 years old |
| Suspect | Keon King, 21 years old |
| Primary Charge | First-degree murder |
| Additional Charges | Robbery, abuse of a corpse, tampering with evidence, theft, criminal conspiracy, arson, causing catastrophe, unauthorized use of an automobile, recklessly endangering another person, receiving stolen property |
| Date of Disappearance | October 4, 2025 |
| Date Remains Found | October 18, 2025 |
| Location Remains Found | East Germantown, Philadelphia |
| Vehicle Implicated | Burned Hyundai Accent |
| Bail Status | Ordered held without bail |
| Next Known Court Date | November 10, 2025 |
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Author: STAFF HERE PHILADELPHIA WRITER
The PHILADELPHIA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREPhiladelphia.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Philadelphia, Philadelphia County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Mummers Parade, Philadelphia Flower Show, and Thanksgiving Day Parade. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce and United Way of Greater Philadelphia, plus leading businesses in telecommunications, food services, and healthcare that power the local economy such as Comcast, Aramark, and Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Pennsylvania's dynamic landscape.
