Community mourns as body found behind vacant Germantown school

GERMANTOWN (WPVI) — A growing memorial now sits in front of a vacant Germantown school, where police discovered human remains in a wooded area behind the building. Neighbors have been gathering there, leaving flowers and praying as they wait for officials to confirm the identity of the victim.

Raymond Merrit, who lives nearby, walked his dog today near where the body was found.

“I’m glad whoever remains they are they found the remains,” Merrit said. “A little disappointed the investigators were here days before and they didn’t discover that then.”

Merrit said he is still holding on to hope that the remains are not those of 23-year-old Kada Scott.

“As you see, I’m here with my dog and if I find out anything I surely will report,” he said. “I hope that they find her hopefully unarmed.”

Others visiting the site fear the worst. Andy, who traveled from Newark, said he came “to pay homage to what happened.”

“The poor girl got killed out here,” he said.

Andy also questioned why police did not find the body sooner.

“Well, the police were here and didn’t find her,” he said. “They had the entire freshman class academy out here and they searched the area.”

Authorities said the discovery came after they received a specific anonymous tip, prompting neighbors to wonder why the information wasn’t shared earlier.

“Apparently whoever did know about it either been back here and know somebody involved in it,” Merrit said. “But kind of disappointed they waited this long to say something about it.”

Despite the uncertainty, residents say they hope the discovery will bring closure to a grieving family.

“I hope we can come together,” Andy said. “I feel for the family, my prayers are with them. I hope they get the justice they deserve.”