Body of Missing Beauty Queen Found in Abandoned School
Authorities have confirmed that the body discovered in an abandoned Philadelphia school belongs to missing beauty queen Kadda Scott. New details regarding her suspected kidnapper have also emerged.
Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner announced that DNA tests identified Scott, a 23-year-old who went missing on October 4 after leaving her job at The Terrace, an assisted living facility in Chestnut Hill. He made this announcement during a press conference on Monday.
“The situation is constantly evolving, both in terms of investigation and prosecution. There are things we know today that we can’t share for various reasons,” Krasner informed reporters.
Scott’s remains were found in a shallow grave behind the now-closed Ada H. Lewis Middle School in East Germantown on Saturday morning, as reported.
Scott, who represented Philadelphia Township in the recent Miss Pennsylvania USA pageant, is thought to have encountered someone after leaving her job and went quiet following a visit to a radio station.
Keon King, the alleged kidnapper, reportedly transported her body to the abandoned school in a stolen 2008 black Hyundai Accent and set the vehicle ablaze, according to authorities.
Assistant District Attorney Ashley Teslowski noted that the incident was captured on surveillance footage.
King, who is 21, faced additional charges on Sunday, including arson, conspiracy, tampering with evidence, and recklessly endangering another person, among others. He had already been arrested the previous week and charged with kidnapping for ransom, false imprisonment, stalking, and tampering with evidence.
Although King has been charged with murder, Scott’s cause of death remains undetermined. Krasner mentioned, “Once we have all the necessary information regarding probable cause, we will file murder charges.”
In January, King had been charged with kidnapping after allegedly stalking Scott, abducting her from her home, and assaulting her in his vehicle.
Scott’s family asked for privacy as they come to terms with her tragic passing, issuing a heartfelt statement expressing their devastation.
“We are deeply saddened by the tragic death of our beloved daughter, Kadda Scott,” they wrote. “We request space and privacy as we process these heartbreaking events. Our hearts are broken, and we greatly appreciate the outpouring of love and support from people across the country and around the world.”
“Please keep us in your prayers as we endure this unimaginable loss. Ms. Kada was deeply loved. Her lightness, kindness, and beautiful spirit will stay in our hearts forever,” the family remarked, thanking the officials for their support and unity during this difficult time.
