Authorities have confirmed the tragic discovery of 13-year-old Keimani Latigue’s body in an abandoned house, leading to murder charges against her father, Darnell Jones.
Keimani, who had been missing since last week, was found on the second floor of a vacant home on Miami Street, according to the Lucas County Coroner’s Office. An autopsy is scheduled to determine the cause of death.
The heartbreaking discovery has sent shockwaves through the community. A crowd gathered near the scene on Monday, demanding answers as investigators combed the abandoned building for evidence. Keimani’s mother, Tiara Kasten, expressed her anguish and frustration.
“I just want to know if it’s my baby,” Kasten said before authorities confirmed the body was Keimani’s. “They’re still not telling me nothing.”
Initially, Jones, 33, was charged with abduction, but by Monday evening, Toledo police upgraded the charge to murder. Court documents reveal an active warrant for his arrest, citing inconsistencies in his statements and surveillance footage as key evidence.
Keimani’s grandmother, Dorothy Latigue, recalled finding her home in disarray on March 17, with the stove left on and the teen’s belongings—including her glasses—left behind.
“Her glasses and underclothes were by the couch. Her pajamas were on the dining room floor,” she said.
Community members organized search efforts throughout the weekend, distributing flyers and seeking information.
Authorities are working to determine if others may have been involved in Keimani’s tragic death.
