DNA testing has confirmed that the remains found behind a Philadelphia middle school belong to 23-year-old Kada Scott, who disappeared two weeks ago after leaving work. Philadelphia police said an anonymous tip late Friday led investigators to a wooded area behind the school, where they found her buried in a shallow grave.
Days earlier, officers had discovered some of Scott’s belongings — including her phone case and debit card — in the same area but did not locate her body.
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The tipster told investigators they had overlooked Scott’s body during an earlier search of the area and, according to The Philadelphia Inquirer, sent a message that read, “GO BACK YOU MISSED HER.”
The message also gave specific directions, pointing police to an old wooden fence separating the school from a nearby recreation center.
Authorities had searched the area earlier after phone data from Keon King, the 21-year-old charged with kidnapping Scott, pinged nearby. King worked with Scott at a senior living facility, officials said. He remains in custody as the investigation continues.
Technology and video trace Scott’s final moments
Data from Scott’s Apple Watch and surveillance footage near the school helped investigators trace her final movements. The video shows King pulling into the parking lot in a stolen car that police believe contained Scott’s body on Oct. 4. Two days later, investigators say, he returned to move her remains. The car was later found burned in a nearby neighborhood.
Investigators said Scott’s own car was still parked at her workplace the night she disappeared. Her phone and other devices went offline soon after she was last seen, which initially raised concern among friends and family. Her mother reported her missing the next day when calls to her phone went straight to voicemail.
Suspect had prior kidnapping case
Court records show King had previously been charged in a kidnapping and strangulation case involving another woman earlier this year. However, those charges were dropped when the victim did not appear in court. Prosecutors now plan to refile that case.
Before her disappearance, Scott had reportedly received harassing phone calls, though police have not said whether King was responsible.
