PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) — New charges have been filed against the man charged in the disappearance of Philadelphia woman Kada Scott.
Keon King, 21, is also now facing arson, causing catastrophe, conspiracy and tampering with evidence, among other charges in connection with the case, the Philadelphia District Attorney’s Office announced during a press conference on Monday.
Right now, homicide charges have not yet been filed against King as the district attorney’s office continues to investigate.
“We are not done,” Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner said.
This comes just days after human remains were found behind a vacant school in Philadelphia’s Germantown. The DA’s office confirmed on Monday those remains are of Scott.
Chopper 6 was over the scene Saturday after human remains were found amid the search for missing Philadelphia woman Kada Scott.
Scott vanished the night of Saturday, Oct. 4, after leaving her workplace, an assisted living facility in Chestnut Hill.
King was initially arrested and charged last week with kidnapping in Scott’s case. He is also facing reinstated charges for a separate case from earlier this year that had been initially dropped when the witness did not appear in court.
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Those new charges come as officials say they have located a vehicle they believe is connected to the case. Officials say a tip led police to a burned 2008 black Hyundai Accent in the 2300 block 74th Avenue.
However, when investigators went to the scene, they say the vehicle was already towed, compacted, and was at a junkyard.
Investigators said they were able to obtain surveillance video of the vehicle, leading them to believe that the Hyundai is the car used to move Scott to where her remains were ultimately found near Ada Lewis Middle School.
Officials said the vehicle was stolen the on October 3, the day before Scott was last seen, from the 6600 block of Sprague Street. It was then later burned on October 7.
Cell phone data also allegedly places King at the various locations connected to this case, including where the vehicle was burned as well as when the vehicle was seen near the rec center where the remains were found.
In the two weeks prior to Saturday’s discovery, law enforcement had searched the grounds near the school and nearby Awbury Arboretum, bringing in additional K-9 units from New Jersey and at one point shutting down Philadelphia’s police academy to have 300 recruits comb the area.
Physical evidence, including Scott’s phone case and debit card was discovered but not Scott.
The discovery of Scott’s remains also came from a “very specific” tip that came in overnight Friday. The remains were found Saturday.
“The tip was very specific that led us back to this location here,” said First Deputy Commissioner John Stanford, with the Philadelphia Police Department. “We want the people– the person we have in custody and anyone else who may be involved — we want them held accountable to the highest degree of the law for what they have done.”
Philadelphia police and the district attorney’s office hold a news conference after human remains were found Saturday amid the search for missing woman Kada Scott.
The remains were removed from the scene by late Saturday afternoon. The remains are now being handled by the medical examiner’s office.
Police are still working to determine how King and Scott knew each other, but they believe the pair came into contact in the days before the disappearance on October 4.
Officials also said they believe other people may have been involved in this case, however, they did not release any other details about who they may be or the extent of their involvement.
Before her disappearance, Scott had told people that she was being harassed, but it is unclear if King was the person allegedly harassing her.
The Hyundai Accent is the second vehicle connected to this case. Last week, police tracked down a 1999 metallic gold Toyota Camry they believed could have been involved in the case. A tip lead police to the vehicle that was parked at an apartment complex in the East Falls section of Philadelphia.
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King is being held on a $2.5 million bail for the initial charges in Scott’s case.
Scott’s family released a statement on Monday, saying:
“Today, we’ll say her name 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.
We kindly ask for space and privacy at this time, as we process the heartbreaking events of the past few weeks.
Our hearts are shattered, yet 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 our in prayer as we navigate this unimaginable loss.
Our hearts are broken beyond measure. We are profoundly thankful to every person who share 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.
Kada was deeply, deeply loved. Her light, kindness, and beautiful spirit will forever remain in our hearts.
We also wish to extend our hearts for gratitude to Mayor Cherelle Parker, the Philadelphia Police Department, all first responders, local volunteers, community organizations, and media outlets, as well as everyone who worked tirelessly to help find our daughter.
Although the outcome is one no parent should ever have to face, we remain thankful for the unity, leadership, and love that surrounded us through it all.
As we continue to grieve, our family now seeks justice for Kada. We place our full trust in the Philadelphia Police Department, and the Philadelphia District’s Attorney’s Office to ensure that the truth is revealed and that those responsible are held accountable to the fullest extent of the law.
Please honor Kada’s memory by showing kindness and care to one another, just as she did every day of her life.”
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