‘Horrific’: Body of missing 13-year-old girl found; father charged with murder
TOLEDO, Ohio (WTVG/Gray News) - Authorities in Ohio found the body of missing 13-year-old Keimani Latigue on Monday.
Her father, Darnell Jones, who was initially charged with abduction, is now charged with murder.
Toledo police said they found a body during the investigation into the 13-year-old girl’s disappearance.
The Lucas County Coroner’s Office confirmed the body found on the second floor of an abandoned Miami Street house is that of the teen.
Keimani was reported missing last week.
An autopsy determined the teen died of multiple “incised wounds of the neck” and ruled her death a homicide, according to the Lucas County Coroner’s Office.
On Tuesday, Jones was shot by a Columbus police officer who was searching for the wanted father. A confrontation occurred with police after he allegedly pulled a gun on officers. He is expected to survive his injuries.
Authorities said Jones is also facing assault charges from the incident.
Police said this has already been a difficult case.
“This is one of the most horrific cases I’ve ever heard of,” FOP official Brian Steel said. “This was a teen who was murdered, raped, had her hands cut off and her throat almost cut off.”
Earlier, emotions were running high as dozens of people gathered at the intersection near the abandoned home, demanding answers as investigators recovered evidence from the building.
The missing girl’s mother, Tiara Kasten, was at the scene and expressed her frustration with the situation before the coroner confirmed the body was Keimani’s.
“I just want to know if it’s my baby. They’re still not telling me anything,” 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 anything.”
Kasten went on to say there’s no reason her daughter would ever be in the area of the abandoned home. She said Keimani would only ever go to school, play basketball and go home. She recounted the last time she talked to her daughter.
Kei’Mani was a Spring Elementary School student and just days away from her 14th birthday.
The new developments came just hours after news that the teen’s father was facing charges in the case.
The affidavit alleges Jones was the last person with Keimani before she went missing. He has also allegedly given inconsistent statements about his activity with the victim and her whereabouts.
Investigators have not yet detailed a motive in the case.
Family had organized a search party Friday night and handed out flyers to residents multiple times during the search.
The girl’s family said the only legitimate way for community to donate to memorial services at this point is through the Brown Legacy Memorial funeral home in Toledo.
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