Tragic Discovery in Search for Missing Philadelphia Beauty Queen Kada Scott
The search for Kada Scott, the 23-year-old Philadelphia beauty queen who vanished in late 2024, has taken a tragic turn. Human remains, strongly believed to be Scott’s, were discovered in a shallow grave behind an abandoned school in the city. This grim find comes after a “very specific” anonymous tip led investigators to the site, marking a significant development in a case that has gripped the community.
The discovery was made in the vicinity of the former Anna L. Lingelbach School, located at 5236 Ditman Street in the Frankford section of Philadelphia. Police confirmed that the remains were found on Tuesday, October 14, 2025, following the critical tip received by authorities. The ongoing investigation is being handled by the Philadelphia Police Department’s Homicide Unit, underscoring the gravity of the situation.
The Disappearance of Kada Scott and the Arrest of Keon King
Kada Scott was last seen on November 20, 2024, leaving her residence in the 2800 block of North 22nd Street. Her disappearance sparked widespread concern and a dedicated search effort. The case gained significant public attention, amplified by her status as a local beauty queen and the mysterious circumstances surrounding her vanishing.
A crucial breakthrough in the investigation occurred with the arrest of 24-year-old Keon King in September 2025. King, identified as Scott’s on-again, off-again boyfriend, was apprehended in Savannah, Georgia, and subsequently extradited back to Philadelphia. He faces charges of murder, abuse of a corpse, and related offenses in connection with Scott’s disappearance. Police have indicated that King was the last person seen with Scott before she went missing, making him a central figure in the inquiry.
Investigating the Crime Scene and Forensic Procedures
Upon receiving the anonymous tip, law enforcement meticulously processed the scene behind the abandoned school. The area was cordoned off, and forensic teams, including crime scene investigators and medical examiners, worked to carefully excavate and recover the remains. The process involved thorough documentation and collection of evidence to ensure all potential leads are pursued.
While the remains are strongly believed to be Kada Scott’s, official confirmation will depend on forensic analysis, including dental records and DNA testing. This scientific process is standard procedure in such cases to ensure positive identification. The Philadelphia Medical Examiner’s Office is responsible for conducting these tests and determining the exact cause and manner of death.
Community Reaction and the Lingering Questions
News of the discovery has sent shockwaves through the Philadelphia community, particularly among those who had been following Scott’s case closely. Many had held onto hope for her safe return, and this development brings a somber reality to the forefront. The tragic outcome underscores the dangers faced by individuals in domestic disputes and highlights the importance of community vigilance.
Despite the significant progress with the discovery of remains and King’s arrest, many questions still linger. The exact timeline of events leading to Scott’s death, the specifics of how she died, and the full extent of King’s involvement are details that the ongoing investigation aims to clarify. The anonymous tip, described as “very specific,” will also be a key piece of information for investigators to understand its origin and why it came forward at this particular time.
Key Takeaways
- Human remains, strongly believed to be Kada Scott, were found in a shallow grave behind an abandoned Philadelphia school.
- The discovery was prompted by a “very specific” anonymous tip received by police.
- Kada Scott, a 23-year-old beauty queen, was last seen on November 20, 2024.
- Keon King, Scott’s on-again, off-again boyfriend, was arrested in September 2025 and charged with murder and abuse of a corpse.
- Forensic identification of the remains is pending through dental records and DNA analysis.
- The Philadelphia Police Department’s Homicide Unit is leading the investigation.
Conclusion
The tragic discovery of human remains believed to be Kada Scott marks a heartbreaking chapter in a case that has captivated Philadelphia. While the identification process is ongoing, the find, coupled with the arrest of Keon King, brings a somber sense of closure to the long search. This development serves as a stark reminder of the complexities of criminal investigations and the profound impact such cases have on families and communities. As the legal process unfolds, the community awaits further details, hoping for justice for Kada Scott and answers for her grieving loved ones. The meticulous work of law enforcement, guided by crucial public input, continues to be vital in bringing clarity to this profound tragedy.
Original author: Nicholas McEntyre
Originally published: October 19, 2025
Editorial note: Our team reviewed and enhanced this coverage with AI-assisted tools and human editing to add helpful context while preserving verified facts and quotations from the original source.
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