Authorities in Ohio discovered the body of missing 13-year-old Keimani Latigue on Monday. Her father, who was initially charged with abduction, is now facing murder charges.
Toledo police found the body during their investigation into the girl’s disappearance. The Lucas County Coroner’s Office later confirmed that the body, located on the second floor of an abandoned house on Miami Street, was Keimani’s. An autopsy is scheduled for Tuesday to determine the cause of death.
As investigators recovered evidence, a large group of people gathered near the abandoned home, demanding answers. Among them was Keimani’s mother, Tiara Kasten, who expressed frustration over the lack of information. She stated that authorities had not allowed her to confirm if the body was her daughter’s and added that Keimani had no reason to be in the area. According to Kasten, Keimani followed a routine of going to school, playing basketball, and returning home. She recounted their last interaction, saying she last saw her daughter on March 15 when Keimani’s father brought her to visit.
New developments emerged shortly after it was reported that 33-year-old Darnell Jones had been charged with abduction. Around 8:40 p.m. on Monday, Toledo police upgraded the charges against Jones to murder. Court records indicate that an open warrant for his arrest was issued late Monday night.
The affidavit states that Jones was the last person with Keimani before she went missing and that he gave inconsistent statements about their activities and her whereabouts. Investigators cited phone records and surveillance footage as key factors in filing charges.
Last week, Jones told WTVG that Keimani had called him late at night on March 16, saying she was scared to be home alone. He claimed he and his cousin went to check on her and stayed for about an hour before leaving at 12:30 a.m.
Keimani’s grandmother, Dorothy Latigue, reported suspicious circumstances at their home. She stated that when she returned on March 17, the house was in disarray, the stove was on with a strong smell of gas, and Keimani’s belongings, including her glasses, were left behind.
Toledo police have not confirmed if additional individuals are involved in the case. Family members and volunteers had organized search efforts and distributed flyers before Keimani’s body was found.
