The body of missing 13-year-old Keimani Latigue was discovered Monday in an abandoned Toledo home, with her father now facing murder charges in what authorities describe as one of the most horrific cases they’ve encountered. Darnell Jones, initially charged with abduction, was upgraded to murder charges after the Lucas County Coroner’s Office identified the remains found on Miami Street’s second floor as Keimani’s.
The autopsy revealed she died from multiple “incised wounds of the neck” in a killing so brutal that officials said her hands had been severed and her throat nearly “cut off.” “This was a teen who was murdered, raped, had her hands cut off and her throat almost cut off,” said FOP official Brian Steel. “This is one of the most horrific cases I’ve ever heard of.”
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The tragedy unfolded after Keimani—a Spring Elementary School student just days from her 14th birthday—was reported missing last week. Investigators allege Jones was the last person seen with his daughter and had given “inconsistent statements” about her disappearance.
Emotions ran high at the scene as Keimani’s mother, Tiara Kasten, pleaded for answers while forensic teams worked. “I just want to know if it’s my baby,” Kasten said. “They’re still not telling me anything… It’s nothing to take a picture. It’s nothing to let me know when the coroner’s bringing her out so I can see if that’s indeed my baby.”
Kasten insisted her daughter would never have gone to the abandoned house voluntarily, describing Keimani as a homebound teen who focused on school and basketball. She tearfully recalled their last conversation, unaware it would be their final goodbye.
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The case took another dramatic turn Tuesday when Columbus police shot Jones during an arrest attempt after he allegedly pulled a gun on officers. He remains hospitalized but is expected to survive, now facing additional assault charges.
As the community reels, family members have directed memorial donations through Toledo’s Brown Legacy Funeral Home. Vigils and searches had mobilized dozens in recent days, with volunteers distributing flyers in a desperate bid to find the missing girl, which now ended in unimaginable horror. Authorities have not disclosed a motive for the killing as the investigation continues.
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