PHILADELPHIA, PA — A heartbreaking development has emerged in the search for 23-year-old Kada Scott, who has been missing since October 4. Philadelphia police announced that human remains were discovered Saturday near the abandoned Ada H. H. Lewis Middle School in the East Germantown neighborhood — the same area where investigators had been searching for the young woman.
The Discovery
According to police, the discovery came after an anonymous tip led investigators to a wooded area behind the old middle school, where they located a shallow grave containing what appeared to be the remains of a female.
1st Deputy Commissioner John Stanford confirmed during a press conference that the remains were found early Saturday morning after officers acted swiftly on the tip.
“Based on a tip that came in late last night, investigators began the process of following up on that tip this morning,” Stanford said. “That tip was very specific — it led us directly back to this location here today. We don’t know who the tip is from, but we’re grateful that the individual submitted it.”
Stanford noted that the remains appeared to have been there for several days, but officials have not yet confirmed the identity of the victim. While the remains are believed to be female, confirmation will come only after an official examination by the Medical Examiner’s Office.
A Painful Moment in the Search for Answers
Saturday marked two weeks since Kada Scott was last seen, and the discovery of remains has left both investigators and the community in deep sorrow.
“No one is happy that this is the ending,” Stanford said somberly. “This is a lot on our investigators, and a lot on all of us. We all have family members — and this could have been any one of our family members. Could be anybody’s family member.”
The Philadelphia Police Department had intensified its search efforts earlier this week, even bringing in 300 police recruits and deploying New Jersey State Police K-9 units to comb through wooded and abandoned areas around East Germantown.
Stanford emphasized that while investigators are working diligently, the process takes time — and accuracy and justice for Scott’s family remain the top priorities.
“I know sometimes it seems like information is not coming fast enough, but we have a job to Ms. Scott and to her family,” Stanford added. “If this is confirmed to be her, we want to ensure we’re doing everything properly to hold the individuals accountable. We don’t want to do anything that could compromise that.”
Ongoing Investigation and the Case Against Keon King
Authorities confirmed that Keon King, the man charged in connection with Kada Scott’s disappearance, remains in custody. King, who police say was the last person known to have seen Scott alive, faces charges including kidnapping and related offenses.
Philadelphia Assistant District Attorney Ashley Toczylowski said the discovery of remains could lead to additional charges against King, depending on the findings of the ongoing investigation.
“It means that we do our job,” Toczylowski stated. “We take in everything we know, everything we’ve learned today, and we’ll make the determination of whether we add additional charges.”
Deputy Commissioner Stanford also made clear that police will continue to pursue justice for Scott and for any other potential victims.
“We want the person we have in custody — and anybody else who may be involved — held accountable to the highest degree of the law for what they have done,” Stanford said.
The Mayor and Community React
Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker issued a heartfelt statement following the discovery, offering prayers and comfort to Kada’s family and loved ones.
“I am a praying mayor who wholeheartedly believes in the power of God’s strength,” Parker shared in a social post. “I pray that God will give the family a certain peace that passes all understanding to meet this moment.”
The East Germantown community — shaken by weeks of uncertainty and now confronted with devastating news — continues to rally around Kada’s family. Neighbors and community leaders have called for peace, justice, and support for the grieving loved ones.
Police Urge Public’s Continued Help
Despite the discovery, investigators are urging the public to keep sending in information that may help strengthen the case or uncover additional details.
“I still urge the public — if you have any information, anything you think is related to this, please continue to give us that information,” Stanford said. “We don’t yet know if there are other individuals who have been victims of this individual that we have in custody.”
Anyone with information is encouraged to contact Philadelphia Police at (215) 686-TIPS (8477).
A Community in Mourning
As the investigation continues and the city awaits official confirmation from the Medical Examiner, the discovery has brought a somber turn in the search for Kada Scott. For two long weeks, her family, friends, and community have clung to hope. Now, that hope turns to heartbreak and a plea for justice.
May truth and accountability prevail — and may Kada Scott and her loved ones find peace, closure, and the justice they deserve.
