Crime & Justice
Authorities release cause of death for Kei’Mani Latigue
Kei’Mani was reported missing on March 18 in Toledo, Ohio after being reportedly last seen with her father.

Authorities in Ohio have announced the cause of death for Kei’Mani Latigue, the 13-year-old girl who was found dead in a burned abandoned house days after she was reported missing.
The 13-year-old was reported missing March 18
Kei’Mani was reported missing on March 18 in Toledo, Ohio after being reportedly last seen with her father.
Police issued an arrest warrant for the father, identified as Darnell Jones, 33, on Sunday, March 23, in connection with her abduction, according to a statement from the Toledo Police Department.
On Monday, March 24, Kei’Mani was found in a burned-out, abandoned house in Toledo after which authorities issued another arrest warrant for Jones, this time for murder. He was arrested on Tuesday, March 25, by Columbus police after reportedly exchanging gunfire with officers, sustaining critical injuries.
While family members were pleading with the public to help find Kei’Mani, her father appeared on local news and said he last saw his daughter the night of March 16 after she called him to say she was scared to be home alone.
“It seemed like somebody was trying to break into the house,” the 33-year-old claimed his daughter told him, and said he drove over to the house around 12:30 a.m.
Keimani lived with her grandmother, Dorothy Latigue, who was not home at the time, and two dogs.
Kei’Mani Latigue’s cause of death
The Lucas County Coroner’s Office has now announced the cause of Kei’Mani’s death.
The autopsy revealed she died from “multiple incised wounds of the neck,” and ruled the cause as homicide, the coroner’s office said in a statement.
Brian Steel, a lieutenant with the Columbus Police Department, told PEOPLE that the child was found in a horrific condition — she had allegedly been nearly decapitated, sexually assaulted and her hands were cut off.
According to reports, Jones reportedly gave inconsistent statements to police about his activity with his daughter as well as his whereabouts.
When Columbus police approached him on Tuesday, March 25, Jones reportedly opened fire on police and they returned fire, critically injuring him. Steel says he is now in stable condition. The officer was not injured.
Community devastated
The horrific nature of the crime has left Kei’Mani’s community devastated and shocked.
On Tuesday, March 25, nearly 100 people came together for a vigil at the site of where her body was found, now decorated with flowers, candles, and balloons, reports the Toledo Blade.
“It’s a deep wound for the whole community,” attendee Sonya Rivera told the outlet. “It doesn’t matter if you’re from Waterville or Perrysburg, our community and our kids matter.”
A spokesperson for Toledo Public Schools said Kei’Mani was due to be presented with a kindness award this week and had been on her elementary school’s honor roll.
“The students and staff at Spring Elementary are saddened by the loss of their friend and classmate, Kei’Maini Latigue,” a TPS spokesperson told WTVG.
Discover more from Unheard Voices Magazine
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
-
Community2 weeks ago
North Carolina mourns firefighter Jaywon Lyons as community rallies around his legacy
-
In Memoriam2 weeks ago
Beloved former N.J. track star Rashaan Richardson, dies; remembered for his spirit and style
-
Social Justice17 hours ago
Video captures Black utility worker being threatened with lynching by Florida couple
-
Education7 days ago
North Carolina college sophomore launches GoFundMe amid tuition crisis
-
Community5 days ago
Georgia community mourns sudden death of 15-year-old athlete Mikah King
-
Social Justice1 week ago
Man injured in violent Florida traffic stop seeks support through GoFundMe
-
New Jersey1 week ago
Hundreds gather in Long Branch, New Jersey to advance unified Black agenda
-
Social Justice1 day ago
Jacksonville Kohl’s employee accused of racial profiling after confronting Black shopper in viral video