Remains of Kidnapped Miss USA Candidate Kada Scott Found, Suspect Faces New Charges

Human remains of Miss Pennsylvania USA candidate Kada Scott, 23, who disappeared on October 4, were found in a shallow grave in Germantown, Philadelphia.

The Details: The Philadelphia District Attorney’s Office (DAO) confirmed the remains were Scott’s at a press conference on Monday. The suspect, Keon King, 21, is being held on $2.5 million bail. King was previously charged with kidnapping, and on Monday, Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner announced he is now facing charges that include arson, conspiracy, unauthorized use of an automobile, tampering, reckless endangerment, and receipt of stolen property.

For Context: King was arrested for kidnapping and strangling a woman in January of this year, though he was released after paying $20,000 in bail, and the charges were eventually dropped by Philadelphia’s DAO. Krasner said in a news conference on Friday that his office could have “done better” in handling the case.

Political Context: Krasner, a Democrat, has served as Philadelphia’s DA since 2018 and is up for reelection on November 4, when he will run against Judge Pat Dugan. Dugan is a Democrat who lost to Krasner in the primary but is running on the Republican ticket after winning enough write-in votes. Last week, Dugan received the endorsement of former Democratic presidential candidate Andrew Yang’s Forward Party.

Key Quotes: Krasner explained why his office didn’t want to request a higher bail in the January case: “You have the option of trying to do what is often a midnight or three o'clock in the morning telephonic appeal to a municipal court judge. The unfortunate reality of this is that some, but not all of these judges, don't want you calling them in the middle of the night. And if you do, they lower the bail.” Marty O'Rourke, a spokesperson for the courts, replied, “The DA and his staff know there are assigned Municipal and Commons Pleas Court judges on call 24/7 and prepared at any hour to address emergency Court matters. In light of this truth, the DA's comments are appallingly disrespectful and a sad attempt on his part to find a scapegoat for his own failings on this matter.”

How The Media Covered It: Headlines from Fox News (Right) and The Daily Mail (Right) highlighted how Krasner is "Soros-backed." Fox wrote that the case “has reignited scrutiny of Krasner’s progressive policies and his handling of violent repeat offenders.” Fox and Newsweek (Center) also highlighted a statement from Krasner’s opponent, Dugan. Outlets from the left, such as ABC News (Lean Left) and NBC News (Lean Left), generally avoided mentioning Krasner’s quote that his office could have “done better” or the upcoming election.

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