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PHILADELPHIA — Keon King, the man initially arrested in connection with the disappearance of Philadelphia resident Kada Scott, now faces murder charges following recent developments in the case.
On Wednesday, the District Attorney’s Office announced it had sanctioned a series of charges against 21-year-old King. These include murder, robbery, theft, abuse of a corpse, tampering with evidence, among other related offenses.
The decision to bring these charges follows findings from the medical examiner’s office, which confirmed that 23-year-old Scott’s death was a homicide, resulting from a gunshot wound to the head.
“Our commitment to seeking justice for Ms. Scott, her family, and all crime victims remains unwavering,” Deputy Commissioner Frank Vanore stated in a social media post.
King, who had previously faced charges of kidnapping, arson, and other crimes, was arraigned on Thursday for the murder charge and is currently being held without bail.
King was arraigned on the murder charge on Thursday and is being held without bail. He was previously charged with kidnapping, arson and other offenses.
Philadelphia Police Commissioner Kevin Bethel told residents at a community meeting that the investigation is far from over.
“We continue to pursue anyone who helped, who concealed, who participated in this act,” said Bethel.
Police say phone data, video show suspect’s movements
King’s alleged criminal conspiracy began just before midnight on October 3, when court records say he stole a Hyundai Accent left unattended and running by a food delivery worker.
Investigators say he then used that stolen car to meet up with Scott the following night.
Charging documents say Scott and King made plans to meet up, with the final text exchange between the two being, “cm [call me] when u here.”
Six minutes later, at 10:15 p.m., investigators say the two appeared to be together near Scott’s place of employment, based on cell phone data.
It would be the last time Scott was seen alive.
At 10:24 p.m., Kada Scott’s phone goes offline. At 10:28 p.m., the Hyundai Accent parks at Awbury Recreation Center, and the vehicle remains there for more than two days.
Using cell phone technology, investigators tracked King to a house more than 10 miles away.
ALSO SEE: Chilling video surfaces amid search for missing Philadelphia woman Kada Scott
A search of the house turned up contractor bags, a hammer, and ammunition among other items, according to court records.
Two women who live there were detained and interviewed, but released.
King was not at the house.
The criminal complaint says King’s cell phone was tracked taking multiple trips between the home and the area around the vacant Ada Lewis Middle School, where Scott’s body was found.
At 11:39 p.m. on October 5, court records say King’s registered Toyota Camry was caught on surveillance parking at the recreation center next door to where Scott’s body was found.
It says two people exited the vehicle, and four hours later, two individuals appear to take a large object, consistent with a body, out of the passenger side.
Action News has reached out to King’s attorney, but he has not responded.
Text messages part of investigation
Police are trying to piece together the communication between Scott and King in the days and hours before her disappearance.
One particular text that’s now part of the investigation was sent at 10:07 a.m. on October 4, nearly 12 hours before Scott disappeared. In it, she texts the words, “kidnap me again” to a number that police have linked to King.
The reply that came back was “better be up too,” which was followed by plans to meet later that night.
Detectives tell our sister station WPVI that they are still trying to determine the relationships between King and Scott, and how they initially met.
Police say there is no report or indication that there was a previous incident involving Scott and King.
King had been charged with a different kidnapping back in January. Part of that incident, involving another woman, was shown in a viral video.
The DA’s office dropped the charges after the victim and a witness didn’t show up in court.
Anyone with information can call or text Philadelphia police at 215-686-TIPS (8477) or submit an anonymous tip online.
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