The small town of Toledo, Ohio, is grappling with the horrific murder of a 13-year-old girl, Keimani Latigue, whose body was discovered in a derelict, fire-damaged house on Monday. The teenager had been reported missing by her family six days prior to the gruesome discovery. The details of the crime, which included rape, mutilation, and near decapitation, have left the community in a state of shock and mourning.
The Columbus Police Department has characterized the case as one of the most appalling they have ever dealt with. Lt. Brian Steel expressed his indignation, referring to the culprit as a “complete monster.” Keimani, who was just a few days away from her 14th birthday, was found on the second floor of the abandoned house. The autopsy report confirmed that she succumbed to multiple deep cuts to her neck.
In a shocking development, the victim’s father, Darnell Jones, was taken into custody in relation to her murder. Jones had previously made an appearance on local television to spread the word about his daughter’s disappearance. He stated that he last spoke to Keimani on the evening of March 16, when she called him, expressing her fear of being alone at home.
Keimani resided with her grandmother, Dorothy Latigue, who was not present at the time of the alleged incident. The teenager’s mother, Tiara Kasten, last saw her daughter on March 15, when Jones brought Keimani to her house. Kasten remembered her daughter as a home-loving girl who enjoyed school, playing basketball, and video games.
Upon her return, Dorothy Latigue found the house in a state of chaos, with Keimani’s underclothes and sleepwear strewn across the living and dining rooms. The stove was left on, and Keimani’s keys and glasses, which she required for vision, were still in the house.
Jones was arrested after his statements to the police about his daughter’s location proved inconsistent. Following the discovery of Keimani’s body, Jones, who had absconded, was further charged with murder and serious assault. The motive behind the horrific crime is still unclear.
Jones was captured in Columbus, roughly two hours south of Toledo, during a SWAT team operation. He was shot during the arrest after allegedly threatening officers with a firearm. He was subsequently taken to a hospital for surgery, and a vehicle believed to be connected to the case was impounded.
The tragic event has left the Toledo community in shock. Keimani was a well-respected student, due to receive a kindness award and previously recognized on her elementary school’s honor roll. A spokesperson for Toledo Public Schools expressed the collective sorrow, stating that the students and staff at Spring Elementary were deeply saddened by the loss of their friend and classmate.