Ohio Dad Charged with His Daughter’s Murder After Appearing on TV to Discuss Her Disappearance

In a tragic turn of events, a father who once appeared on local television to discuss the disappearance of his 13-year-old daughter has now been charged with her murder. Darnell Jones, 33, is a fugitive from the law after his daughter, Keimani Latigue, was found dead in a vacant home just days after he publicly expressed concern for her safety.

The Disappearance and Public Plea

Keimani Latigue was reported missing on March 18, 2025, by family members. According to a press release from the Toledo Police Department, Keimani’s father, Darnell Jones, made a public appearance shortly after her disappearance, speaking to local TV outlet WTVG. In an emotional interview, Jones claimed that he had last seen his daughter on March 16, when she reportedly told him that she was afraid to be home alone. He said, “I came over here because she said that it seemed like somebody was trying to break into the house.” He went on to say that he and his cousin stayed with Keimani for about an hour, before leaving the house at around 12:30 a.m.

Jones’s appearance on TV painted the picture of a concerned father desperate to find his missing child. However, as the investigation progressed, his involvement in Keimani’s disappearance began to take a darker turn.

The Shocking Turn of Events

After Keimani was reported missing, Toledo Police began their investigation, which quickly led to disturbing revelations. A warrant for Jones’s arrest was issued on March 23, 2025, on suspicion of abduction. Police revealed that Jones was allegedly the last person seen with Keimani, and their statements regarding his activities with her seemed inconsistent.

Tragically, just one day later, on March 24, 2025, Keimani’s body was discovered in a vacant home. The discovery of her body led police to issue a murder warrant for Jones, who has since gone into hiding. Authorities have stated that Jones is currently a fugitive, and the search for him is ongoing.

The Inconsistent Statements

According to the abduction warrant, which was obtained by PEOPLE, Jones’s statements during the investigation have been contradictory. Police say that Jones gave “inconsistent statements about his activity with the victim, and their whereabouts” during his initial interviews. His story, initially one of concern for his daughter’s well-being, quickly shifted as investigators dug deeper into the details of the case.

One of the most disturbing aspects of this case is the revelation that Keimani had been living with her grandmother, Dorothy Latigue, at the time of her disappearance. This fact only adds to the suspicion surrounding Jones’s role in her death.

Who Is Darnell Jones?

Darnell Jones, who also goes by the name Darnell Jerome Ogletree, has become the primary suspect in his daughter’s murder. Authorities have yet to disclose his exact whereabouts but continue to search for him. The public’s initial perception of Jones as a concerned father has been shattered, as the investigation uncovered more troubling details about his involvement in Keimani’s tragic death.

The Investigation Continues

At this time, police have not provided additional details regarding where Jones may be hiding or whether they have any leads on his whereabouts. The search for him is ongoing, and law enforcement is urging anyone with information to come forward. As the investigation progresses, the community is left grappling with the shock and heartbreak of a father allegedly turning on his own child, leading to her untimely death.

A Heartbreaking Loss

Keimani Latigue’s tragic death has left her family, particularly her grandmother, Dorothy, devastated. Losing a loved one in such a senseless and violent way is an unimaginable trauma, especially when it involves a family member. The case has drawn widespread attention, as the investigation continues to unfold and the search for justice begins.

As authorities continue their efforts to locate Darnell Jones, the community is left with a deep sense of sorrow over the loss of a young life cut short. Keimani’s story, marked by the sudden disappearance and heartbreaking discovery of her body, serves as a painful reminder of the potential darkness that can lurk within seemingly ordinary family dynamics.

This case is far from over, and as more details emerge, the quest for justice for Keimani Latigue continues. In the meantime, her family, friends, and the Toledo community are left to mourn the loss of a young girl who should have had so much more life ahead of her.

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Keimani Latigue: Ohio Dad Charged with Daughter’s Murder After TV Plea