Teary-eyed neighbors and friends gathered on Monday evening outside Ada Lewis Middle School for a vigil honoring Kada Scott. A poster of the late beauty queen was displayed near candles, balloons, and flower bouquets as a crowd of about 150 people chanted, “Remember her name, Kada Scott. What is her name? Kada Scott.”
Councilman Nicolas O’Rourke led the group in prayer before reminding the crowd to continue to trust in God. “We are standing here in the memory of your child, standing here with your children, her family, her friends, grieving, God,” he said.
Sheila Bastien expressed her devastation over the news of Scott’s kidnapping and the discovery of her body at the abandoned school. “I didn’t know Kada personally,” she said. “But I wouldn’t wish this on just anybody, and I sent prayers and my condolences to her family and her friends.”
Rosalind Gardner, a nearby resident, noted the recent presence of many police officers and K9 dogs in the area. “This tragedy has hurt me ever since the beginning; it just won’t leave me,” she said. “I was walking by just Saturday morning when I came here. And then a few hours later, Kada’s body was found behind the building.”
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New evidence surrounding Scott’s final moments was revealed by District Attorney Larry Krasner earlier on Monday. Scott’s remains were found on Saturday in a shallow grave behind the middle school after her family made a last appeal and announced a reward fund of about $6,000 to help bring her home safely.
Krasner’s office stated that defendant Keon King was allegedly driving a stolen car on October 3, which he may have used when allegedly kidnapping Scott as she stepped into the parking lot of her job at the Chestnut Hill Nursing Home on October 4.
King then allegedly took Scott to a recreation center near the abandoned middle school where she was later found dead in a wooded area. On October 7, the stolen vehicle—a black 2008 Hyundai Accent—was found set on fire.
Krasner’s office said King may have had outside assistance at some point, resulting in conspiracy charges.
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King was arrested last week for Scott’s kidnapping and was held on $2.5 million bail. He faces additional charges including arson, conspiracy, causing catastrophe, receiving stolen property, causing a community alert, and tampering with evidence. A preliminary hearing was expected to be scheduled Monday or Tuesday.
According to Assistant District Attorney Ashley Toczylowski, the 2008 black Hyundai Accent linked to King “first entered our radar last week.”
Investigators received a tip about a vehicle burning that had some connection to the case. When investigators arrived at the reported location last week, the vehicle was no longer there—it had already been towed, compacted, and was in a junkyard.
“Over the weekend, we recovered additional evidence, including video footage that confirmed this vehicle, we believe, is the one Mr. Keon King used to move Ms. Scott,” Toczylowski added.
Video evidence was recovered from near Ada Lewis Middle School, where the investigation has been focused. There is a recreation center directly next to the school, and footage from there supports the case.
The vehicle was stolen on October 3 from the area of 6600 Sprague St. Video also indicates that the Hyundai was burned on October 7 on the 2300 block of 74th Avenue.
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“Today, we’ll say her name,” said Scott’s father, Kevin Scott, in a family statement. “Tomorrow, we’ll say her name. And forever, we will say her name. It is with profound sadness that we share the tragic passing of our beloved daughter, Kada Scott.”
The family kindly asked for space and privacy as they process the heartbreaking events of recent weeks.
“Our hearts are shattered,” Kevin Scott added. “We are deeply grateful for the outpouring of love, support, and prayers from people across the nation and around the world. Please continue to keep us in your prayers as we navigate this unimaginable loss. Our hearts are broken beyond measure.”
“We are profoundly thankful to everyone who shared Kada’s story, joined the search efforts, prayed with us, and stood by our family during this devastating time. Your compassion, love, and strength have carried us when we cannot carry ourselves.”
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According to Krasner’s office, there is extensive video and forensic evidence in the case, as well as cell phone records placing King in Scott’s company at several key moments.
“We ask residents of Philadelphia to continue reaching out with tips and information to seek justice for the family of Kada Scott,” Krasner said. “Allow us to gather all the facts so we can justly and vigorously prosecute defendant Keon King and any others who may have been involved.”
The community’s continued support and cooperation remain vital as the investigation progresses.
https://www.phillytrib.com/news/local_news/say-her-name-family-neighbors-gather-for-kada-scott-da-announces-new-charges-for-suspect/article_dfee0d6d-98d4-45e8-bef4-91b44a46c13b.html