DA Larry Krasner asserts denying bail for Keon King might have been crucial in Kada Scott case
District Attorney Larry Krasner highlighted a critical issue with Philadelphia’s cash bail system, citing Keon King’s release as potentially detrimental in the Kada Scott case. Scott, a 23-year-old woman, went missing on October 4. Despite his history, King was freed after posting bail.
Key Details in Kada Scott Disappearance
Keon King faced charges of kidnapping and reckless endangerment after allegedly abducting Kada Scott. The arrest occurred on a Tuesday following Scott’s disappearance. During a news conference, Krasner emphasized King’s ability to access substantial funds, enabling him to pay bail.
Keon King’s Previous Offenses
In April, King, aged 21, was arrested for kidnapping and strangulation. Earlier in the year, he was detained for a similar crime involving a different woman. Krasner’s office requested a bail of $999,999, but a judge set it at $200,000. King quickly paid $20,000 through a bondsman and gained release, as the victim and an eyewitness did not attend court hearings, leading to initial charge withdrawals.
Legal Strategies and Challenges
With Scott’s disappearance, previous charges against King were refiled. Krasner believed denying King’s bail initially could have impacted the outcome significantly. However, certain strategic and procedural challenges limit bail modifications. Krasner noted that nighttime or early-morning telephonic appeals can result in bail reduction rather than sustaining or increasing it.
Krasner’s Re-election Bid
Krasner, amid his bid for re-election, advocates for alternatives to cash bail, including monitoring and check-ins for nonviolent offenders. Meanwhile, those facing violent crime charges should remain detained. He stressed the systemic issue where individuals remain incarcerated due to unaffordable bail.
He commented that altering the bail decision for Keon King might have altered Scott’s fate. Krasner expressed the need to move away from the current bail system and emphasized the importance of detaining those who pose a significant threat.
Video Evidence and Judicial Criticism
Recent TikTok videos reportedly capture King before related abductions, contributing vital visual evidence. Krasner mentioned that such evidence might suffice for prosecution given the complexity of these cases. However, former municipal court judge Pat Dugan, now Krasner’s opponent, criticized the handling of King’s earlier case, labeling it as gross negligence.
