Body of Missing Toledo Teen Found; Father Charged with Murder

Toledo, Ohio — The body of 13-year-old Keimani Latigue, who had been missing since last week, was found on Monday in an abandoned house on Miami Street in Toledo. Authorities confirmed the identity of the deceased as Keimani, following the discovery by investigators. The Lucas County Coroner’s Office is scheduled to perform an autopsy on Tuesday to determine the cause of death.

The news of Keimani’s death sent shockwaves through the community, with dozens of people gathering near the abandoned house where the body was recovered. Family members, friends, and local residents demanded answers, hoping for clarity in the tragic case.

Emotions ran high as Keimani’s mother, Tiara Kasten, was at the scene. She expressed her frustration with the lack of communication from authorities. “I just want to know if it’s my baby. They’re still not telling me nothing,” Kasten said. “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. You’re not saying nothing.”

Kasten went on to emphasize that her daughter would not have been near the abandoned house, stating that Keimani’s usual routine involved going to school, playing basketball, and returning home. She described the last time she saw her daughter, recalling how Keimani’s father had brought her to visit on March 15. “We played video games, we were just loving on my kid,” Kasten said.

Initially, Keimani’s father, Darnell Jones, 33, had been charged with abduction on Sunday after authorities were unable to locate his daughter. However, just hours after the body was found, Toledo Police upgraded the charges to murder. Jones, who was previously reported to have said he saw his daughter late at night on March 16, is now facing a more serious charge. He told 13 Action News last week that he had visited Keimani after she called him, expressing fear about someone potentially trying to break into the house. Jones claimed that he and his cousin sat with her for an hour before leaving around 12:30 a.m. on March 17.

Keimani’s grandmother, Dorothy Latigue, also spoke with the media after her granddaughter’s disappearance. She reported that when she returned to her home on March 17, she found the house in disarray. The stove was left on, and there was a noticeable smell of gas. Keimani’s glasses and keys were found inside, despite the fact that she needed her glasses to see. “Other than her and I, it’s just two dogs in the house. So, who cut it on?” Latigue said, expressing her suspicions.

Toledo Police have not yet clarified if they believe others may be involved in the case. Lt. Dan Gerken, when asked if there were additional individuals connected to the disappearance, stated, “Until we’re done doing the whole investigation I can’t tell you how many people are involved.”

In the days following Keimani’s disappearance, family members organized search efforts, distributing flyers and rallying the community to help find the missing teen. Their efforts, however, ended in heartbreak as the search led to the discovery of her body.

As the investigation continues, the community remains on edge, waiting for further updates. The focus now shifts to understanding the circumstances surrounding Keimani Latigue’s tragic death and ensuring justice is served for the young girl.