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.

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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.

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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.

 

[Vaderman]

Hard to believe it's already been a year:

Neighbors remember Kei'mani Latigue on one-year anniversary of body being found

Today, a lot of grass in east Toledo sits quiet. But 364 days ago, Kei'Mani Latigue's body was found in a home that once stood there.

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The structure was destroyed by fire on April 19, 2025. While the building is gone, another neighbor, Dean Ramasaki, has helped preserve the memory of the girl in a different way.

Ramasaki has allowed his fence to be converted into a memorial, displaying photos, messages and mementos left by community members. Some items date back to the day Kei’mani’s body was found. Others have been added in the months since.

“People want to continue to bring stuff out here. We have no issues with it,” Ramasaki said.

As the one-year anniversary approaches Tuesday, both men expect people to return to the street to reflect and remember.
“It’s just sad that something like that happened here, in our community,” Ramasaki said.

Curtis said the tragedy, while painful, also revealed a sense of unity across Toledo.

“She had a lot of people that loved her and cared about her,” he said. “It brought so many people from Toledo together and made it a better community.”

The man charged in Kei’mani’s death, her biological father, Darnell Jones-Ogletree, remains in custody as he awaits trial.