The human remains found stashed at an abandoned Philadelphia school have been confirmed to belong to missing beauty queen Kada Scott — as authorities reveal new details about her alleged kidnapper.
The identity of the 23-year-old, who vanished on Oct. 4 shortly after leaving her job at The Terrace assisted living facility in the Chestnut Hill neighborhood, was confirmed through DNA testing, Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner said at a Monday news conference.
“This is an ever-evolving, developing situation, both in terms of investigation and prosecution … there are things that we know today that we cannot tell you and we cannot tell you for a variety of reasons,” Krasner told reporters.
Scott’s remains were discovered in a shallow grave behind the shuttered Ada H. Lewis Middle School in the East Germantown neighborhood Saturday morning, according to ABC News
Scott, who represented Philadelphia Township in this year’s Miss Pennsylvania USA Beauty Pageant, is believed to have met up with “an individual” after leaving her job and going radio silent.
Her alleged kidnapper, Keon King, allegedly transported her remains to the abandoned school in a stolen 2008 black Hyundai Accent before setting the vehicle ablaze, authorities revealed Monday.
The ordeal was caught on surveillance footage, according to Assistant District Attorney Ashley Teslowski.
King, 21, was hit with additional charges Sunday including arson, causing catastrophe, conspiracy, unauthorized use of an automobile, tampering with evidence, recklessly endangering another person, and receiving stolen property, authorities added.
He was arrested last week and charged with kidnapping for ransom, false imprisonment, stalking, recklessly endangering another person and tampering with evidence, according to court records viewed by The Post.
Murder charges are pending as Scott’s cause of death has not yet been determined.
“We will bring homicide charges when we can confirm everything we need for probable cause,” Krasner said Monday.
King had faced kidnapping charges from a January incident where he allegedly stalked a woman before abducting her from her home and assaulting her in his car.
Officials also read a statement on behalf of Scott’s family, who asked for privacy as they process their daughter’s death.
“It is with profound sadness that we share the tragic passing of our beloved daughter, Kada Scott,” the family wrote.
“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,” Scott’s family said.
“Please continue to keep us in prayer as we navigate this unimaginable loss.”
“Kada was deeply loved. Her light, kindness and beautiful spirit will forever remain in our heart,” the family said, thanking officials for their “unity, leadership, and love.”
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