PHILADELPHIA – An arrest has been made in the disappearance of 23-year-old Philadelphia woman Kada Scott, authorities announced on Wednesday.
What we know:
Keon King, 21, was charged with kidnapping and more after police say Kada was in communication with him just before she disappeared on Oct. 4.
Deputy Commissioner Frank Vanore said King was previously arrested for kidnapping another female acquaintance earlier this year.
That case was eventually dismissed after the witness failed to appear in court twice, but prosecutors are now re-filing charges.
Investigators reiterated that the search for Kada is ongoing.
“We are still treating this as if Ms. Scott is still alive and that’s why we want the public’s help in locating every piece of this,” First Deputy Commissioner John Stanford said.
Car found in East Falls
Later Wednesday, Philadelphia Police said they believe they have found the 1999 Toyota Camry, which they said King ditched before his arrest, on Gypsy Lane in East Falls. Officials said they can’t yet tell what’s in the car because the windows are tinted, and they won’t open the car until they bring it back to their evidence garage.
‘Physical evidence’ found in abandoned Philly school
Shortly before the car was located, a search party of law enforcement officers flooded the abandoned Ada Lewis Middle School campus in East Mount Airy.
Sergeant Eric Gripp told reporters that “physical evidence” was found outside the former school that links Kada Scott to having been in the area.
“This is very substantial,” said Gripp, who would not reveal exactly what police found.
What they’re saying:
Assistant District Attorney Ashley Toczylowski revealed more information about King’s previous kidnapping arrest.
She shared that King was accused of kidnapping a woman in front of her home and throwing her into his car where he assaulted her before letting the victim go.
That case was dismissed after Toczylowski said the victim failed to appear for a court appearance two different times. Those charges are now being re-filed.
The backstory:
Kada Scott was last seen on Oct. 4 after showing up to work an overnight shift at a senior living facility in Chestnut Hill.
Her keys, phone and other belongings were not found when police searched her vehicle that was left in the parking lot.
Tips have prompted police to search areas around the city, including the expansive 55-acre Awbury Arboretum and the nearby Ada Lewis Middle School.
Investigators have not speculated on Kada’s whereabouts, but they revealed this week that homicide investigators have joined the search.
What you can do:
Kada’s family has started a GoFundMe campaign to raise money to raise “awareness, support search efforts, and ensure that no lead goes unheard.”
The GoFundMe has raised over $4k as of this writing. You can donate here.