OH - Kei'Mani Latigue, 13, Toledo, 16 March 2025 *arrest*

[Vaderman]

Judge denies another motion to suppress key evidence in Kei'Mani Latigue murder case

A Lucas County judge has ruled that more key evidence will stay in the case against a Toledo man accused of murdering his 13-year-old daughter, Kei'Mani Latigue.

www.wtol.com

In a decision filed Tuesday, Judge Michael Goulding denied two defense motions to throw out search warrants used to seize a home security system, Kei'Mani's missing underwear, and a plastic mat from Jones’ home and vehicle. The judge found there was enough probable cause tying those items to the missing child investigation and said officers relied on the warrants in good faith.

The ruling also notes Jones’ live‑in girlfriend, Nina Turner, invited officers inside and gave them permission to take items she believed could help find Kei'Mani, making the warrants essentially extra protection, rather than a requirement.

 

[Vaderman]

Judge pushes Darnell Jones trial to October, August hearing set for ‘serious mental illness’ claim

During a pretrial hearing Monday, both prosecutors and defense attorneys agreed that a spring trial date was no longer feasible.

www.wtol.com

TOLEDO, Ohio — The trial for Darnell Jones has been pushed back six months as investigators process DNA evidence and his attorneys prepare a defense centered on his mental health.

Originally scheduled for April, the trial is now set to begin Oct. 19.

During a pretrial hearing Monday, both prosecutors and defense attorneys agreed that a spring trial date was no longer feasible. The state is currently awaiting results from recent DNA testing, which is expected to be completed by the end of March.

The defense, which said Monday it has already reviewed approximately 2,700 pages of discovery, requested the October date to allow more time for a mental health report. The defense has previously indicated it intends to pursue a "serious mental illness" claim, which could impact the proceedings.