TOLEDO, Ohio (WTVG) - In a heart-wrenching unfolding of events in Toledo, the police have discovered a body believed to be that of Keimani Latigue, a missing 13-year-old girl. This tragic turn in the investigation follows revelations that her father, Darnell Jones, has been charged with abduction related to her disappearance.
The body was found on the second floor of a burned-out, unoccupied house on Miami Street during a police investigation that commenced after Keimani was reported missing last week. As the authorities worked on-site, they expressed that the gender of the body was not yet confirmed but indicated strong belief that it belonged to the missing girl. The Lucas County Coroner's Office is responsible for confirming not just the identity but also the manner of death.
On March 24, 2025, in a profound moment of anguish, Keimani's mother, Tiara Kasten, was present at the scene. She expressed her distress, saying, “I just want to know if it’s my baby. They’re still not telling me nothing,” underscoring the difficulty families face in such traumatic situations.
Emotions ran high as crowds gathered at the site, where investigators continued to gather evidence. Residents were deeply affected by the developments, as dozens of people came to show support for Keimani’s family and to demand more information. The events developed shortly after Darnell Jones was charged on Sunday (March 23) with abduction. There is currently an open warrant for his arrest.
The police reports suggest that Darnell Jones was the last person seen with Keimani before she vanished. He has provided inconsistent statements regarding his whereabouts and his interactions with his daughter, raising considerable concern among officials. Surveillance video and phone records played crucial roles in building their case against him.
“I saw Keimani late Sunday night after she called to say she was afraid to be home alone,” Jones claimed, explaining his actions leading up to her disappearance on March 16. However, this account has been met with skepticism by investigators in light of the evidence they have collected, which does not entirely align.
Keimani Latigue lived with her grandmother, Dorothy, who is grappling with the ongoing case. Following Keimani's disappearance, she described a disturbing scene upon returning home on March 17, saying, “I noticed the house was in disarray.” She had found the stove left on, the smell of gas in the air, and alarming details such as Keimani's keys and glasses lying about, suggesting a hasty exit or something more troubling.
“Her glasses in her underclothes were by the couch in the front. Her pajamas were on the dining room floor,” Dorothy commented, highlighting the bizarre nature of the scene. The family, desperate for answers, organized a search party on March 21, distributing flyers around the neighborhood, determined to find Keimani.
Reports indicate that the last confirmed sighting of Keimani was around 12:30 AM on March 18, when she was unaccounted for following her call to her father. She was described as 5 feet 6 inches tall, weighing 120 pounds, with black hair and brown eyes. Her absence has struck a chord in the local community, resulting in heightened concern and search efforts.
The nature of Darnell Jones' charges implies a serious legal predicament, as he stands accused of abducting his own daughter without the consent of her guardian. Authorities are still piecing together the details of Keimani's case, which has resonated deeply across Toledo, leading to calls for community awareness and vigilance regarding missing persons.
Toledo Police have asked anyone with information about the case or Keimani's whereabouts to step forward. Tips can be shared with law enforcement via Crime Stoppers at 419-255-1111. The tragic circumstances surrounding this case illustrate a pressing concern for families, law enforcement, and communities at large.
The investigation continues to evolve, with updates expected in the coming days as more information comes to light regarding Keimani's disappearance. This incident serves as a heartbreaking reminder of the vulnerabilities faced by children and the critical importance of community vigilance.
