A 13-year-old girl who had been reported missing was found murdered in an abandoned and burned home in Toledo, Ohio. Her father has since been arrested, just days after speaking about her disappearance on television.
Keimani Latigue’s body was discovered on Monday, March 24, six days after her family reported her missing. Authorities described it as “one of the most horrific cases” they had encountered.
According to Columbus Police Lt. Brian Steel, Keimani’s hands had been severed, and her head was nearly decapitated.
“This is an absolute animal that came into our town,” Steel told WCMH.
Her father, 33-year-old Darnell Jones, was located by police on Tuesday, March 25. When confronted, he allegedly pulled a gun, prompting an officer to fire multiple shots. Jones was hospitalized, underwent surgery, and is now in stable condition. It remains unclear if he fired at officers.
“If you pull a gun on officers, as we’ve said many times, this is the outcome you can expect,” Steel stated.
Jones has been charged with murder in connection with his daughter’s death.
An autopsy conducted by the Lucas County Coroner’s Office determined that Keimani died from multiple “incised wounds of the neck.”
She was just days away from her 14th birthday.
Keimani’s mother, Tiara Kasten, described her daughter as a bright and loving child who spent most of her time at school, playing basketball, and staying home.
“I saw her on the 15th. Her dad brought her to my house,” Kasten told WTVG. “Apparently, my mother gave him permission, and honestly, I was just loving on my kid. We played video games.”
Keimani was a student at Spring Elementary School, where staff and students are mourning her loss.
“The students and staff at Spring Elementary are deeply saddened by the loss of their friend and classmate, Keimani Latigue,” a Toledo Public Schools spokesperson said. “She will be remembered as a kind and personable student who got along well with others.”
