**Philadelphia Man Charged with Murder in Disappearance of Kada Scott**
PHILADELPHIA — The man arrested in connection with the disappearance of Philadelphia woman Kada Scott has now been charged with her murder. The District Attorney’s Office announced Wednesday that it has approved charges of murder, robbery, theft, abuse of a corpse, tampering with evidence, and other offenses against 21-year-old Keon King.
The charges come after the medical examiner’s office confirmed that Scott, 23, died by homicide. According to the medical examiner, Scott was killed by a gunshot wound to the head.
“We will continue to pursue justice for Ms. Scott, her family, and all victims of crime,” Deputy Commissioner Frank Vanore said in a social media post.
King was previously charged with kidnapping, arson, and other offenses. He is currently being held on $2.5 million bail.
Philadelphia Police Commissioner Kevin Bethel addressed residents at a community meeting, emphasizing that the investigation is far from over. “We continue to pursue anyone who helped, who concealed, who participated in this act,” Bethel stated.
### Phone Data and Video Reveal Suspect’s Movements
According to court records, King’s alleged criminal activity began just before midnight on October 3, when he stole a Hyundai Accent that had been left unattended and running by a food delivery worker. Investigators say he then used the stolen vehicle to meet with Scott the following night.
Charging documents indicate that Scott and King planned to meet up, with the final text exchange reading, “cm [call me] when u here.” Six minutes later, at 10:15 p.m., cell phone data suggests the two were together near Scott’s place of employment. This was the last time Scott was seen alive.
At 10:24 p.m., Scott’s phone went offline. Four minutes later, at 10:28 p.m., the Hyundai Accent was parked at Awbury Recreation Center, where it remained for more than two days.
Using cell phone tracking technology, investigators traced King to a house more than 10 miles away. A search of the property uncovered contractor bags, a hammer, ammunition, and other items, according to court records. Two women residing there were detained and interviewed but ultimately released. King was not at the house during the search.
Court documents also state that King’s phone was tracked making multiple trips between the house and the area around the vacant Ada Lewis Middle School—where Scott’s body was later found.
At 11:39 p.m. on October 5, surveillance footage captured King’s registered Toyota Camry parking at the recreation center adjacent to the location where Scott’s body was discovered. Two individuals exited the vehicle, and four hours later, two people appeared to carry a large object—consistent with a body—out of the passenger side.
Action News has reached out to King’s attorney, who has not responded to requests for comment.
### Text Messages a Key Part of the Investigation
Police are working to piece together the communication between Scott and King in the days and hours leading up to her disappearance.
One text message, sent at 10:07 a.m. on October 4—nearly 12 hours before Scott vanished—has become a focus of the investigation. In it, Scott wrote, “kidnap me again” to a number police have linked to King. The reply was, “better be up too,” followed by plans to meet later that night.
Detectives told sister station WPVI that they continue to investigate the nature of Scott and King’s relationship and how they initially met. Authorities say there is no report or indication of any previous incidents involving the two.
King had been charged with a separate kidnapping in January related to another woman. Footage from that incident went viral. However, the District Attorney’s Office dropped the charges after the victim and a witness failed to appear in court.
The investigation into Kada Scott’s disappearance and murder remains ongoing. Police urge anyone with information to come forward.
https://abc7news.com/post/suspect-keon-king-charged-murder-death-philadelphia-woman-kada-scott-new-details-revealed/18061975/
