13-Year-Old Girl Found Murdered in Burned House — Her Father Now Charged

A 13-year-old girl who went missing earlier this month has been found brutally murdered, and her father is now facing murder charges in what police are calling one of the most horrific cases they’ve seen in years.

Keimani Latigue was reported missing by her family on May 21. Just six days later, on May 27, police found her body inside a burned and abandoned home in Toledo.

Investigators say her hands were cut off and her head was nearly severed. According to police, the crime scene was extremely disturbing.

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“This is an absolute animal that came into our town,” said Lt. Brian Steel of Columbus Police. “What happened to that child was evil.”

Father Arrested After Police Shooting

Police quickly identified Darnell Jones, Keimani’s 33-year-old father, as the primary suspect. Officers located him on May 28. When they tried to arrest him, he allegedly pulled a gun, and police opened fire.

Jones was shot multiple times, taken to the hospital for surgery, and is now in stable condition. It is still unclear whether he fired at officers.

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He has since been officially charged with murder.

Autopsy Reveals Violent Cause of Death

An autopsy from the Lucas County Coroner’s Office shows that Keimani died from multiple sharp wounds to the neck. Police believe the attack happened shortly after she was last seen with her father.

Mother Heartbroken Over Daughter’s Death

Keimani’s mother, Tiara Kasten, said she last saw her daughter on May 20, when she visited her with her father.

“We were just playing video games. She was smiling. I never thought that would be the last time I’d see her,” Kasten told WTVG.

Keimani was a student at Spring Elementary School, where she was known for her kind heart and love for basketball.

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“She was very sweet and got along with everyone,” a school official said. “We’re all heartbroken.”

The Toledo community has reacted with sadness and anger. People have left candles, flowers, and teddy bears outside the burned house where her body was found.

“She was just a child. No child should go through this,” one woman said during a candlelight vigil held Tuesday night.

💬 This is beyond heartbreaking. What can be done to stop violence at home before it’s too late? Share your thoughts.

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