Philly DA Admits Error in Dropping Previous Kidnapping Case Linked to Kada Scott Abduction Suspect

Philadelphia District Attorney’s Office has faced criticism for previously dropping charges against Keon King, now a suspect in the alleged abduction of Kada Scott. King had been charged twice in the past year for violently assaulting an ex-girlfriend, including kidnapping her. Both cases were dismissed when the victim failed to appear in court.

Prosecutors Admit Mistake in King’s Case

Assistant District Attorney Ashley Toczylowski acknowledged that the case involving King’s alleged assault in January could have progressed without the victim’s testimony, as substantial evidence, including video footage, was available. She is now overseeing Scott’s abduction case, emphasizing the regret over how the earlier case was handled.

Investigation into Kada Scott’s Disappearance

Scott, a Pennsylvania State University graduate residing in Mount Airy, has been missing since October 4. Authorities are tirelessly searching for her, reviewing surveillance footage, and scrutinizing King’s phone records.

Previous Incidents and Their Impact

Keon King’s criminal history includes a violent encounter on November 15, 2024, where he allegedly broke into his ex-girlfriend’s home. Subsequent criminal activity on January 13 followed a similar pattern when King purportedly attempted another break-in and later abducted the woman.

The Challenges of Domestic Violence Prosecution

• Lack of cooperation from victims often hinders domestic violence cases.
• Seventy percent of victims in Philadelphia fail to appear in court, according to University of Pennsylvania researchers.
• Concerns about escalated harm and logistical issues contribute to this reluctance.

Prosecutorial Strategies Going Forward

Assistant DA Toczylowski plans to use existing video evidence to pursue charges against King, even if victim testimony is unavailable. Other resources, such as 911 calls and crime scene evidence, are being prioritized.

Toczylowski hopes that with King in custody on a $2.5 million bail, the ex-girlfriend may now feel safe enough to cooperate with authorities.

This case highlights the complexities prosecutors face in domestic violence scenarios, especially when dealing with non-cooperative victims. The Philadelphia District Attorney’s Office aims to apply lessons learned from these cases to improve future handling of similar situations.