Keon King was wanted for kidnapping his ex months before Kada Scott’s killing, yet he was not arrested, even during court appearances.
In a troubling sequence of events that highlights significant failures within the criminal justice system, local authorities have come under scrutiny for their handling of the case involving Keon King, who has been charged with the recent murder of 23-year-old Kada Scott. The escalation of violence against King’s former girlfriend appears to have been overlooked by both law enforcement and prosecuting attorneys, raising critical questions about accountability in domestic violence cases.
King’s violent behavior reportedly began in early November 2022 when he broke into his ex-girlfriend’s residence in Strawberry Mansion and assaulted her. Subsequently, he was charged with burglary and strangulation, with bail set at ,000. Remarkably, King was able to secure his release shortly after by posting the requisite 10% of the bail.
In January 2023, King allegedly escalated his aggression, returning to the victim’s home with a firearm before kidnapping and assaulting her. Despite a warrant being issued for his arrest, law enforcement failed to apprehend him when he appeared in court for an unrelated preliminary hearing. Prosecutors withdrew the earlier charges when the victim failed to appear for a court date, seemingly unaware of the pending warrant against King.
Police records reveal that officers did attempt to locate King, but their efforts were ultimately unsuccessful. Without communication between law enforcement and prosecutors regarding King’s status, he walked free multiple times while being sought on serious charges. It wasn’t until April 2023, when King turned himself in, that he faced kidnapping charges.
The situation intensified in October 2023, when King was accused of kidnapping Scott from her workplace and subsequently murdering her. The details surrounding Scott’s death, including the subsequent burial of her body, have shocked the community and garnered national media attention.
Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner has expressed regret over the earlier decision to withdraw charges, citing the inexperience of the prosecutor involved. He emphasized that a lack of communication between various branches of law enforcement exacerbated the failures evident in King’s case. Current systems, which are outdated, hinder effective sharing of critical information regarding outstanding warrants and defendant status.
In light of these events, the Philadelphia City Council has vowed to conduct a hearing to thoroughly investigate how domestic violence cases are handled within the city’s criminal justice framework. Legal experts and advocates are calling for systemic reforms to ensure that victims are protected and that perpetrators are held accountable. The community’s demand for justice has intensified with the recognition of the preventable nature of these recent tragic outcomes, highlighting an urgent need for improved oversight and procedural reforms within the justice system.
