Warning: This article may contain some distressing information.
Police have released devastating new details in the brutal killing of 13-year-old KeiāMani Latigue.
KeiāMani Latigue, 13, was found dead. Credit: Toledo Police Department
KeiāMani Latigue, 13, was discovered in an abandoned and burned home in Toledo, Ohio, on Monday (March 24), six days after her family reported her missing on March 18.
The Lucas County Coronerās Office has confirmed the harrowing details of how she died in aĀ statement, revealing that KeiāMani suffered āmultiple incised wounds of the neck.ā
Columbus Police Lt. Brian Steel also shared that the child was found in a horrific condition ā she had allegedly been nearly decapitated, sexually assaulted, and her hands were cut off.
āThis case is one of the most horrific cases Iāve ever heard. This is a 14-year-old that was murdered, raped, had her hands cut off, and her throat almost cut off,ā SteelĀ toldĀ press. āIām glad our officers are OK. Our SWAT are the best of the best. We send a message: You murder somebody, do not come to this town.ā
Following the horrific discovery, police arrested her father, Darnell Jones, who is now facing serious charges in connection with her death,Ā PEOPLEĀ reported.
An arrest warrant for Jones, who also goes by the surname Ogletree, was issued on Sunday (March 23), tied to her abduction.
He was taken into custody the next day after allegedly pulling a gun on a SWAT officer and was charged with felonious assault in Columbus. In addition, the Toledo Municipal Court has issued warrants for murder and third-degree felony abduction.
The warrant alleges that Jones took his daughter from her home without the consent of her guardian. It also states he gave āinconsistent statementsā to investigators about his activity with her and their whereabouts and that he was the last person seen with KeiāMani before she disappeared.
Darnell Jones was arrested. Credit: Toledo Police Department/Lucas County Jail
KeiāMani was just days away from celebrating her 14th birthday. Her mother, Tiara Kasten, shared that her daughter spent most of her time at school, on the basketball court, or relaxing at home.
āI seen her on the 15th. Her dad brought her down to my house,ā Kasten toldĀ WTVG. āApparently my mother gave him permission and honestly it was just loving on my kid. We play video games.ā
The late girl was a student at Spring Elementary School. A spokesperson for Toledo Public Schools released a statement following her death,Ā saying: āThe students and staff at Spring Elementary are saddened by the loss of their friend and classmate, Keimani Latigue.
āKeimani will be remembered as being very personable and someone who got along well with others,ā they added.
On Tuesday (March 25) evening, the community gathered at the site where her body was found. Nearly 100 people came together, surrounding the area with candles, flowers, and balloons, per theĀ Toledo Blade.
āItās a deep wound for the whole community,ā attendee Sonya Rivera told the outlet. āIt doesnāt matter if youāre from Waterville or Perrysburg, our community and our kids matter.ā
Her classmate, 13-year-old Kaylenna Bullis, also came to honor KeiāMani. āShe was really nice, no matter what,ā she said. āEven if people kept messing with her, picking with her, sheāll always be nice.ā
Our thoughts are with Latigueās loved ones at this time.