Lucas County Death Penalty Case: Darnell Jones Faces Charges in Teen’s Abduction and Murder

TOLEDO, OH — A disturbing case has shaken the Toledo community as Darnell Jones, also known as Darnell Ogletree, faces more than a dozen charges in connection with the abduction and murder of 13-year-old Kei’Mani Latigue. The charges, which include aggravated murder, mark the first death penalty case in Lucas County in the past decade.

Jones, who is accused of dragging the young girl to a vacant house on Miami Street where she was later found dead, is under intense scrutiny. Court documents and search warrants have provided troubling details about the investigation, revealing a complex web of interactions, phone calls, and concealed truths.

According to authorities, detectives obtained a recording between Jones and his mother, Linda Ogletree, on March 23, 2025—the same day the first abduction charge was filed against him and the day before Kei’Mani’s body was discovered. In the recording, Linda Ogletree admitted to knowing some details about the case, but stated that she was unaware of all the facts. When she pressed her son for more information, Jones reportedly told her he would provide further details at a later date.

Despite the implications of this recording, Linda Ogletree denied having any direct contact with her son and claimed to have no knowledge of the teen’s disappearance when interviewed by detectives. Investigators are continuing to explore the role of both Jones and his mother in this tragic event, although the full contents of the conversation remain undisclosed.

Search warrants also indicate that police sought phone records from Linda Ogletree’s carrier, spanning from December 2024 to March 2025, covering the time leading up to Kei’Mani’s death and Jones’ subsequent altercation with police in Columbus.

The investigation took a critical turn when Jones’ girlfriend at the time helped authorities gather vital evidence, ultimately aiding in his capture after he fled town.

In new court filings, it has been revealed that Jones confessed to dragging Kei’Mani to the abandoned house, where he killed her by slashing her neck. The Lucas County Coroner’s Office confirmed that the young girl died from a fatal neck wound. However, investigators have yet to publicly disclose the motive behind the brutal crime, and police officials have stated that they are withholding key details in order to protect the integrity of the prosecution’s case.

The death of Kei’Mani Latigue has left the Toledo community in mourning, as residents grapple with the unspeakable loss of a young life. As Jones prepares to face trial, the legal system will now determine whether he will be held accountable for the heinous crime and whether he will face the death penalty in connection with the teen’s murder.

This case, still unfolding, highlights the complexities and emotional weight of criminal investigations, especially when involving the loss of a child’s life. Authorities continue to work diligently, and the community awaits further developments in the pursuit of justice for Kei’Mani Latigue.