Toledo Judge Grants Grandmother Funeral Planning Rights for Kei’Mani Latigue

TOLEDO, Ohio — A Lucas County judge ruled on Tuesday that Dorothy Latigue, the grandmother of Kei’Mani Latigue, will have the legal authority to handle the funeral arrangements for her granddaughter. Judge Jack Puffenberger determined that Dorothy, who had legal custody of Kei’Mani at the time of her death, was entitled to make the final decisions regarding the funeral.

The decision follows a contentious dispute between Dorothy Latigue and Kei’Mani’s mother, Tiara Kasten, over who should have control of the funeral arrangements. The family conflict has resulted in the teen’s body being moved between funeral homes, with both parties unable to reach an agreement for a proper burial.

Judge Puffenberger’s ruling was based on the close relationship between Dorothy and Kei’Mani. In court, Dorothy explained that her granddaughter had lived with her for over five years, even maintaining contact with her during the times Kei’Mani was staying with other family members. Dorothy stated that her only desire was to lay her granddaughter to rest in a respectful manner.

Tiara Kasten, who claimed she had not been allowed to see her daughter since Kei’Mani’s 11th birthday, expressed her belief that she and her daughter had been close, despite their estrangement. The disagreement between Dorothy and Tiara stemmed from a perceived lack of invitation to the funeral, according to Dorothy, and tensions have been high throughout the process.

A spokesperson for the funeral home indicated that both a public and private service will be held for Kei’Mani, though the exact details are still being finalized. Dorothy Latigue has expressed her intention to invite Tiara Kasten to the services, despite the ongoing family tensions. The funeral is expected to take place later this week, with the community awaiting further details.

Community members have expressed outrage over the delay in the funeral, which has been further complicated by the back-and-forth transfer of Kei’Mani’s remains between funeral homes. The judge emphasized that the case had dragged on too long and urged for a resolution.

In court, Dorothy Latigue revealed that several organizations had donated their services for the funeral, and all costs associated with the ceremony had been covered. She plans to hold a private, family-only ceremony followed by a public service to allow the community to mourn and pay their respects.

As the situation continues to develop, the community remains deeply affected by the delay in Kei’Mani Latigue’s funeral, and many are hopeful that the family will soon be able to come together to properly honor her memory.