A man charged with kidnapping a Pennsylvania woman, who was tragically found dead on Saturday, is alleged to have exchanged text messages with her prior to her disappearance.
Before Kada Scott, aged 23, went missing on October 4, she reportedly texted 21-year-old Keon King, saying, “Kidnap me again.” In response, King texted back, “Better be up to,” and Scott instructed him to call her when he arrived, as reported by KYW Newsradio.
Scott departed early from her overnight shift at a nursing home on October 4. A colleague recounted to investigators that Scott seemed distressed while speaking on the phone. The co-worker overheard her saying, “I can’t believe you’re calling me about this,” before Scott headed towards a dark-colored car in the parking lot, according to KYW Newsradio.
Scott’s phone was deactivated just nine minutes later. However, investigators tracked King at a recreation center near Ada Lewis Middle School in Germantown within 15 minutes. Charging documents suggest that by then, Scott was already deceased.
Cell phone data indicated King had been traveling with Scott’s phone on the night of her disappearance before the device was switched off. Scott’s vehicle was discovered parked at the nursing home.
Surveillance video purportedly captured King leaving a black stolen car and walking away. The next evening, King allegedly returned to the recreation center with another individual, this time in a gold-colored vehicle. The two were reportedly seen carrying a heavy object to the site where Scott’s remains were eventually found on October 18, according to KYW Newsradio.
Cell phone data suggested King was traveling with Scott’s phone that night before it was turned off. Scott’s car was found in the nursing home’s parking lot.
Surveillance footage allegedly showed King exiting a black stolen vehicle and walking away. The following night, King reportedly returned to the rec center — with someone else — in a gold-colored vehicle. The pair was seen carrying a heavy object to the location where Scott’s remains were discovered on October 18, according to KYW Newsradio.
Scott’s body was found in a shallow grave behind an abandoned school near the Awbury Arboretum in Germantown. Philadelphia Police Department John Stanford said a tip they received on Saturday led them to where the remains were located. The remains appear to be a week old or less, he also said.
While police said King and the second person were seen walking away, King reportedly returned and drove off in the stolen vehicle. The car was found lit on fire, which investigators said made it impossible to collect DNA evidence.
Investigators reportedly interviewed two women who lived with King. A search of their home allegedly uncovered multiple items, including ammunition, contractor bags, and gloves.
Scott’s death was ruled a homicide, though how exactly she died remains undisclosed. According to KYW Newsradio, police are still investigating the possible second suspect.
King was arrested last Wednesday. In addition to the latest murder charge, he was charged with kidnapping, arson causing catastrophe, conspiracy, and tampering with evidence. He remains jailed on $2.5 million bail.
[Feature Photo: Philadelphia police]
