A suspect has been arrested and charged in connection with the disappearance of 23-year-old Kada Scott. She has been missing since October 4, 2025, and officials say they are doing everything they can to find her. She was last seen leaving her place of work, a senior living facility on Chestnut Hill. They are conducting their search as if she were still alive and are urging anyone with any information to contact Philadelphia officials.
Ongoing Investigation
Police have identified the suspect as 21-year-old Keon King of Southwest Philadelphia. After the press conference held on Wednesday, October 15, the police received a tip about possible evidence in relation to Scott’s disappearance. They were led to an abandoned elementary school near the Asbury Arboretum in Germantown. They connected Scott to the scene as they found physical evidence. K-9 units, crime scene investigators, and homicide detectives were brought in to conduct a more thorough search.
Last week, they searched the same area of Awbury Arboretum but turned up empty-handed. Now, they have physical evidence and believe that Scott and King were together the day she went missing. During the press conference, Deputy Commissioner Frank Vanore noted the two seemed to know one another but were unsure of how long. “Our evidence is pretty clear that she was in communication with an individual, that individual appears to meet her very shortly after she leaves her place of work, and very shortly after that, she disappears,” he said.
Tips to Officials
Police also released details of a vehicle they are trying to locate as they believe it is connected to Scott’s disappearance. “We believe she may have been in that vehicle,” Assistant District Attorney Ashley Toczylowski said. The said vehicle is a 1999 metallic gold Toyota Camry and has heavy damage to the left front bumper. It has a Pennsylvania tag of MSX0797.
They claim the car has been spotted all over the town, in various areas. “We know it’s been in Mount Airy. We have photos of it in Center City, we have pictures of it in the Grays Ferry area, and in Southwest Philadelphia. So it’s possible that it could be anywhere, it could be outside the city,” Vanore said. Officials are aware that the suspected vehicle may no longer have the same tags on it when it was first spotted. 1st Deputy Commissioner John Stanford noted that, regardless of tags, to contact the police if a similar vehicle is seen.
“Every person listening to this, whether you’re in North Philly, South Philly, or Southwest, Northwest — please open your eyes and see if you locate this car or if you have seen this car, please contact us and give us that information,” he said. “The public has been very, very helpful thus far in providing a lot of information, which the investigators have been able to track down a lot of the leads, which has helped us get to this point here.”
According to police, the suspect has a criminal history similar to this nature and is requesting any other potential victims of his to come forward and speak up. Silence can make or break this case, and so far, the public has been aiding this investigation. Tips coming through are how the police have made as much progress as they have.
Suspect Previously Charged
The suspect is facing two kidnapping charges from different cases, including Scott’s. Officials allege King is connected to a prior kidnapping and strangulation case that occurred at the beginning of this year. He was never tried since the victim failed to appear in court. However, during today’s press conference, officials intend to refile the charges and bring justice.
Leading up to Scott’s disappearance, she had confided in people that she was being harassed, but police are not sure if their suspect was the alleged harasser. At this time, they are focusing on locating Scott and treating the situation as if she were still alive. They admitted that while the suspect is in custody, there is “still a lot of work that needs to be done.”
Homicide Investigators Step In
Homicide Investigators were brought in to assist in the investigation days before the suspect was arrested. “The case was shifted to homicide because we have the most experienced investigators in our homicide unit. They have the most experience dealing with all types of investigations. They also have the most resources available to them,” Stanford said. The FBI is reported to be assisting in the investigation as well.
Scott’s family and friends have also been out searching for her and are growing anxious as they wait for answers. They are also encouraging anyone with information to come forward immediately. “Canvass the neighborhoods, any leads we can possibly get so we can possibly get so we forward to the police in hopes of getting my daughter back home,” said Kevin Scott. No piece of evidence is too small for this family.
“You never know what little, small, minuscule information may apply to the big picture, the puzzle that might get Kada home. So whatever you think may help, call and report it to the police department,” said Scott. They started a GoFundMe to raise money to reward those who come forward with credible information, anything that will lead them closer to the truth.
Authorities are asking anyone with information about the suspect or Scott’s disappearance, or if you see the Toyota Camry in the area, to contact the Philadelphia Police at 215-686-TIPS (8477) or submit an anonymous tip online.
