Toledo Judge Sets $4 Million Bond In Teen’s Murder

A Toledo judge has set a $4 million bond for Darnell Jones, the man accused of killing his 13-year-old daughter, Kei’Mani Latigue, whose body was discovered in an abandoned house last month. The substantial bond amount reflects the severity of the charges, which include murder, felonious assault, and abduction.

During his first court appearance Friday morning, Jones was ordered to have no contact with the victim’s family and prohibited from any interaction with minor children. The stringent conditions underscore the court’s concern regarding the violent nature of the allegations against him.

According to court documents filed in Toledo Municipal Court, Jones, who also uses the alias Jones-Ogletree, has allegedly admitted to inflicting the fatal wound that caused Kei’Mani’s death. WTOL reports that affidavits reference the Lucas County coroner’s determination that the cause of death was “a large laceration to her neck caused by a bladed instrument.”

Photo Source: https://x.com/13abc/status/1912956295939850248

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A Month-Long Tragedy Unfolds

The case has gripped the Toledo community since Kei’Mani was first reported missing on March 18, exactly one month before Jones’ court appearance. The seventh-grader’s disappearance prompted search parties and community-wide concern before her body was discovered six days later in a vacant property on Miami Street in east Toledo.

Court filings allege that Jones “dragged [Kei’Mani] involuntarily to the vacant house where he ultimately killed her,” providing a disturbing glimpse into the final moments of the teenager’s life. The documents paint a picture of a premeditated act that has left the community searching for answers.

The Lucas County Coroner’s Office ruled Kei’Mani’s death a homicide, determining she died from multiple deep cuts to her neck. This official finding aligns with the allegations that Jones used a bladed instrument in the commission of the crime.

Cross-State Pursuit Ends in Gunfire

Jones’ apprehension added another layer of violence to an already tragic case. He was located in Columbus on March 25, just one day after his daughter’s body was discovered. The arrest did not proceed peacefully, according to 13ABC, which reports that Columbus police shot and injured Jones after he allegedly pulled a weapon on SWAT officers.

Following the shooting, Jones remained hospitalized until April 9, when he was transferred to a Columbus jail and held without bond on felonious assault charges stemming from the confrontation with law enforcement. Those charges have since been temporarily set aside to facilitate his extradition to Toledo, where authorities deemed the murder case the priority.

The suspect did not appear at a scheduled Franklin County court hearing on April 10, with multiple sources indicating his absence was due to ongoing recovery from injuries sustained during his arrest. His return to Toledo occurred Thursday, setting the stage for Friday’s initial appearance on the murder charges.

Community Seeks Accountability

The tragic death of Kei’Mani has sparked more than grief in Toledo—it has ignited calls for systemic accountability. Questions have emerged regarding potential failures in the child welfare system that might have contributed to the teenager’s vulnerability.

Lucas County Children Services has addressed these community concerns through a press conference, though details of their involvement with the family prior to the murder have not been fully disclosed. Meanwhile, county commissioners have announced plans to establish a task force specifically focused on rebuilding trust between the child protection agency and the community it serves.

Court records indicate that Jones was the last person seen with Kei’Mani before she was reported missing. Authorities allege he removed her from her home without her guardian’s consent and subsequently provided “inconsistent statements about his activity with the victim,” factors that led to the initial warrant for his arrest.

As the case moves forward, Jones is scheduled to return to court on April 24 at 9 a.m. for further proceedings. However, with the filing of updated court documents on Friday, additional court appearances may be scheduled sooner, potentially as early as Monday morning.

The community continues to mourn the loss of the young teenager while the legal system begins the process of seeking justice for her death. A memorial has formed near the site where Kei’Mani’s body was discovered, serving as a somber reminder of a young life cut tragically short.

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